Hassocks are improving even as leaders Hill edge local derby
It is three defeats in a row now for Hassocks Under 18s. The Robins though gave a good account of themselves against Southern Combination League Under 18 Central Division leaders Burgess Hill Town.
The Hillians proved just a little too good as they ran out 3-2 winners at the Beacon in an enthralling local derby featuring good football and a competitive spirit.
Hill arrived having scored 11 goals in three matches. They are a young side packed full of talent and Hassocks knew they would have their work cut out trying to get a result.
The Robins could be pleased with their morning’s work then, which should stand them in good stead going into a very busy October.
Weather dependent, Hassocks will play four more league fixtures between now and the end of the month. By that point, they will have completed eight of their 18 Central Division matches. It is a month that looks pivotal in deciding where this season goes for a young Robins team.
Changes have been kept to a minimal from game-to-game so far this season by Hassocks and they stuck to that theme again, making just two from the side who had lost a fiery derby against other local rivals St Francis Rangers a week earlier.
Sam Dean had missed the trip to Colwell Road but he was restored straight into the starting XI, taking the place of Charlie Smith. Oliver Steel made his Hassocks debut, coming in for Will Varley. Neither Varley or Smith were on the bench.
Both Hassocks goals came from Alex Brewer. The Robins marksman had failed to score for the first time this season in the 2-1 defeat at Colwell Road last Sunday.
His brace here more than made up for it. Hill had conceded just once in their opening three games. Such a mean defence combined with a free-flowing attack means they should expect to do very well this season.
Hassocks will always have a chance of taking points as long as Brewer keeps scoring. He is now on five for the season from four outings.
On this occasion however, the Robins could not keep enough out at the other end. Hill forward Malik Mundoma scored his sixth of the campaign and he was joined on the scoresheet by Archie Eaton and Joe Overy.
Hassocks are giving plenty of young players the opportunity to stake a claim for more regular involvement from the bench.
This week’s debutant was Ewan Edwards. The Robins would also have been cheered by the presence amongst the substitutes of Oliver Parker-Williams, who made his second appearance of the season.
Hassocks will look to get back to winning ways when making the short trip over the South Downs to Mile Oak on Sunday.
It will be the Robins’ first meeting with Oak at Under 18s level for several years. Any support will be welcome as always, with kick off 11am at Chalky Road.
Hassocks: Jack Thomas, Sam Dean, George Gladding, Ed Tobias, Sam Fernley, Alex Wintle, Harry Carter, Oliver Goswamy, Jack Duckett, Oliver Steel, Alex Brewer.
Subs: Oliver Parker-Williams, Ryan Goss, Ben Foster, Ewan Edwards (used).
