Robins at the races to vanquish cup conquerors Varndeanians
There is a real feelgood factor around Hassocks at the moment both on and off the pitch. On Saturday evening, the Beacon hosted its first race night since Covid-19.
A few hours earlier and the Robins had galloped to within five points of top spot in the Southern Combination League Premier Division thanks to a 2-0 win over AFC Varndeanians.
Goals in either half from Jamie Wilkes and Phil Johnson avenged elimination by the same scoreline against the same opponents from the Peter Bentley League Cup a little over four weeks ago.
Defeat in that previous meeting with Varndeanians only told half the story, however. Head coach James Westlake used the break from league action to rest players and despite the changes, Hassocks still should have won.
The Robins were in the midst of a period where they dominated games, fashioned countless opportunities but could not put the ball in the back of the net for love nor money. Varndeanians in contrast netted with their two shots on target.
Hassocks have since found their scoring boots. The most pleasing thing being that goals are now starting to come from multiple sources across the front line.
Wilkes is one such example. He had to wait patiently for an opportunity following his summer move back to the Beacon from AFC Uckfield Town.
He was afforded his first start in that Peter Bentley Cup game against Varndeanians. A good showing opened the door and he is now becoming highly influential in the starting XI.
Wilkes was heavily involved in the first real opportunity mustered by either side, which arrived on the 20 minute mark.
The tall striker used his rangy frame to embark on a driving gallop through the Varndeanians defence before slipping a pass to Johnson who blazed over.
Prior to that, Hassocks had two half-chances. Varndeanians goalkeeper Jordan Hawkins dallied in possession a second too long but Liam Benson was unable to get a convincing shot away after stealing the ball. A Harvey Blake cross then found Johnson for a wayward header at the far post.
It was with 30 minutes played that Wilkes opened the scoring. Brad Tighe delivered a free kick into the box from just inside the Varndeanians half.
A blue-shirted defender produced a rather impressive improvised back heel volley clearance. From it, the ball dropped invitingly to Wilkes rushing into the area.
He slammed first-time without breaking stride through a crowd of players and past unsighted Varndeanians goalkeeper Jordan Hawkins.
Aside from Wilkes, Hassocks were also getting a lot of joy out of Jack Troak down the left, wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Lewis Westlake and Alex Bygraves.
Before the goal, Troak flashed a dangerous ball across goal which a Hassocks player really should have been on the end of for the simplest of tap-ins.
Immediately after the Robins take the lead and Troak rode a couple of tackles and cut inside, only for his effort to drift agonisingly wide of the post.
Hassocks came out for the second half clearly determined to make a fast start. The outstanding Mike Williamson broke through midfield within two minutes of the restart, squaring to Benson who was just unable to provide the finishing touch.
Three minutes later and the Robins doubled their advantage. Hassocks will be hard-pushed to score a goal involving better interplay in the build up this season.
Leon Turner and Benson combined to carve apart the Varndeanians defence, leaving Turner to square and Johnson to convert from five yards.
The hour mark nearly brought a third for Hassocks. Another driving run from Williamson released Benson. His cut back found Turner, whose shot was deflected behind for a corner. The set piece came to nothing.
A better free kick delivery from Joe Bull caused Varndeanians problems as the game entered the final 10 minutes.
Sam Smith – who enjoyed an excellent first start since August in place of Bygraves at centre back – headed back across goal to Johnson.
Somehow, Johnson missed from all of three yards before his blushes were spared by the offside flag going up.
Troak forced Hawkins into a good save low down to his right from a direct free kick in the final minute, after which Alex Harris was called into action for the only time of note all afternoon.
Hassocks were unable to effectively clear their lines, leading to Mark Goldson getting a shot away. Although straight at Harris, the Robins goalkeeper still had to show some smart handling to hold the effort.
Hassocks: Alex Harris; Harvey Blake, Sam Smith, Bradley Tighe, Joe Bull; Leon Turner, Mike Williamson, Jamie Wilkes, Jack Troak; Phil Johnson, Liam Benson.
Subs: Pat Harding (Benson 66), Danny Reid (Turner 76), Arthur Rawlingson (Johnson 89), Sam Rogers (Wilkes 90), James Westlake (unused).
Bedlam Brewery Starman: Mike Williamson.
