Reid and Broad grab braces but goalkeeper injury mars Hassocks hitting YMCA for six
A big win away at Horsham YMCA for Hassocks Under 23s was overshadowed by a nasty injury suffered by goalkeeper Callum Thompson towards the end of the game.
There were three minutes remaining when Thompson dislocated and fractured his shoulder. He required lengthy treatment, including from one of the parents of a YM player who had been watching in the crowd – the true spirit of non-league football.
Everyone at Hassocks would like to thank the person in question for their assistance throughout the incident.
And Thompson putting his body on the line for the Robins clearly impressed as a day later, Linda Stringer sponsored him for the season. Not that we are suggesting players should dislocate body parts so the club bank balance can gain £40…
Thompson will be a big loss over the coming weeks. Hassocks have kept three clean sheets in seven games so far with him between the sticks.
Combine such a good defensive record with plenty of options in attack and you can see why the Robins have enjoyed a flying start to the campaign.
The six goals they plundered at the Herbert Direct Stadium was the second time they have scored a half-dozen in 2022-23. Local rivals St Francis Rangers were also hit for six last month.
Sam Smith claimed a brace on that occasion. He returned as one of five changes from the Hassocks side defeated 3-0 by Horley Town a week earlier, the Robins second and biggest loss of the campaign.
Kieran Dimelow came in for his first start of the season, promoted from the bench along with Jack Smith and Wes Tighe. Ben Hicks was the other new face as Neil Parker shuffled his pack.
Dan Turner has departed for a winter playing cricket in New Zealand and Charlie Tuck looks set to complete a move from Hassocks to YM. Sam Arscott, Lewis Fairley and Sam Cash were the other changes.
Three Under 18s players were given run outs from the bench. Sam Fernley has been an Under 23s regular this season and he was joined by fellow youth team players Harry Carter and Will Varley.
Both were making their Under 23s debuts as the player pathway at the Beacon continues to bring through new talent.
In the scoring stakes, two Hassocks players claimed doubles. Charlie Broad opened his account for the season in style with two goals and Danny Reid joined him in the brace club as he continues to knock on the first team door. Dimelow and Arthur Rawlingson were the other scorers for the Robins.
YM had a debutant on target in Zac Bignell with top scorer Sam Coxon claiming the hosts’ other consolation.
Victory lifts Hassocks back into second spot in the North Division, above last Thursday night’s vanquishers Horley.
The Clarets drew 1-1 with leaders Alfold with nothing able to separate the sides who had been the top two before kick off at the New Defence.
Hassocks: Callum Thompson, Arthur Rawlingson, Sam Smith, Wes Tighe, Jack Smith, Ben Hicks, Sam Rogers, Kieran Dimelow, George Mercer, Danny Reid, Charlie Broad.
Subs: Sam Fernley, Harry Carter, Reece Clarke, Will Varley (used).
