Relentless Robins rack up another big win to maintain unbeaten start
Despite several key players being unavailable, Hassocks Ladies continued their unbeaten start to the season with an 8-1 victory over Denne Park in the Sussex County Women’s Premier Division.
The game got off to a quick start with the in-form Katherine Chappell having an early shot saved as she looked to add to the eight goals she already has from just two games so far.
Chappell was not to be denied for too long, slotting home a seventh minute opener after a headed pass from Shannon McFadden.
Mel Sanchez was one of three players who would make their Robins debut on the day. She came close to opening her account, shooting narrowly over following a clever pass from Jess Craig.
Hassocks managed to add a second in the 14th minute through the exact same link up as their opener. Chappell was again assisted by McFadden.
Chappell nearly had a quick-fire hat-trick, only to be denied by the post within a couple of minutes of scoring the second.
Unfortunately, Sanchez had to be withdrawn midway through the first half. On came Izzy Cloke, the second debutant.
The Robins’ third goal arrived on the half hour mark. No prizes for guessing who the scorer was, Chappell wrapping up her hat-trick after intercepting a goal kick and finishing clinically.
Denne Park briefly threated after that, forcing the alert Sarah Chappell into a rare save. Hassocks responded by scoring a fourth.
A Kirsten Mair corner was headed down by Claire Stevens and Cloke found the net, marking her first appearance with a goal just 14 minutes after coming on.
Denne Park kept plugging away and had another effort on Chappell’s goal with a speculative shot from distance just going wide.
The Robins reasserted control as the half came to a close. The Denne Park goalkeeper made a good save from Craig before Hassocks scored their fifth four minutes before the break.
A passing move through Chappell and McFadden created an opportunity for Ellie Moquet to score her second goal in Hassocks colours.
The Robins made some changes at half time. Sarah Chappell came out of goal to play on the right wing, swapping places with Moquet who had picked up a slight knock. Sarah Chappell soon made an impact out on pitch, winning a corner from which Emma Flin narrowly lobbed over.
There was a disappointing moment on the hour mark when Chloe John’s return to the side was brought to an early end when she was substituted with a knee injury.
John had shown her usual determination and strength in her 60 minutes on the pitch. Her place was taken by the third player making her Robins debut, Hannah Harvey.
Sarah Chappell claimed an assist midway through the second half when she found a lot of space on the right. Her cross was perfect for Mair to convert, putting Hassocks 6-0 ahead.
Denne Park grabbed their consolation goal with an expertly taken free kick from Hannah Osborne which gave Moquet no chance, making the score 6-1.
Moquet’s long kicks can be a real asset when she plays in goal. She put one to good use, sending Mair clear to narrowly miss the target.
The hosts briefly threated again but some expert covering from Flin averted the danger. Hassocks pushed Holly Webb further forward to try and help regain control. She soon linked up with Sarah Chappell, who forced another corner which Stevens headed just over the bar.
Katherine Chappell had been a little quiet in the second half, much to the relief of the hosts. That was until the final 15 minutes when she had one of those golden spells in which she is unstoppable for opponents.
A twisting run and defence splitting pass from Chappell set up Mair to score the Robins’ seventh. Chappell then rounded off the scoring in the 89th minute with her fourth and Hassocks’ eighth. It came from another mazy run followed by a cool finish.
Having produced such a dominant performance, every Hassocks player should be pleased with their efforts. Webb and Moquet – before her spell in goal – both performed well in midfield, supporting both the defence and attack.
The debutants all contributed, the forwards looked dangerous every time they attacked and the defence – despite the game being fairly one sided – looked assured and in control throughout.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Claire Stevens, Kirsten Mair, Emma Flin, Chloe John, Holly Webb, Jess Craig, Ellie Moquet, Mel Sanchez, Shannon McFadden, Katherine Chappell.
Subs: Izzy Cloke, Hannah Harvey (used).
