Defeat at high-flying Bears in first game for three weeks harsh on spirited Hassocks
Having gone three weeks without a competitive game, Hassocks could not have faced a much tougher return to Southern Combination League action than a trip to high-flying Broadbridge Heath.
And the Bears showed why they have lost only three times and not dropped out of the Premier Division’s top four all season, resisting a spirited second half Hassocks performance to secure a 2-1 victory at the Countryside Stadium.
Speaking afterwards, James Westlake felt his side worthy of a draw. His disappointment at coming away with nothing was however countenanced by the knowledge that Hassocks should pick up plenty of points through a manic February if they continue to play like this.
The Robins face eight fixtures crammed into four weeks which will have a huge say on how high up the table they finish in Westlake’s first year at the helm.
To help his squad through the busy period, Westlake is hoping to add two new faces by the time Alfold arrive at the Beacon next Saturday.
Hassocks have also been boosted by the return of Alfie Loversidge after long-term injury which, to throw in a favourite football cliché, will be akin to a new signing.
Loversidge’s introduction from the bench at half time was his first action bar two runouts for the Under 23s since the 3-0 defeat away at Peacehaven & Telscombe on the opening day of the campaign.
He wasted little time in reminding everyone of the talents that made him one of the stars of last season, being central to most of the good stuff Hassocks did as they attempted to overturn the two goal lead Heath had taken just before half time.
The Bears’ first came on 36 minutes when Ryan Brackpool met a pinpoint corner with a bullet near post header giving Joe Southam no chance of keeping it out.
Young Southam then fumbled a shot from the edge of the box which allowed the onrushing Charlie Parmiter to put the loose ball into the empty net three minutes before the break.
Those goals came something out of the blue. The opening half hour very much looked like a game between two sides who had not played a massive amount of football since the turn of the year with no chances worthy of note being created.
The second half though was a different story. Hassocks were clearly fired up by whatever Westlake had said at the interval and with Loversidge on the pitch, they looked more much progressive in attacking areas.
Loversidge’s first involvement came within 30 seconds of the restart. Raging Joe Bull went on a charge down the left ended with a cross into the box which found Loversidge in acres of space.
The chance though had come too quickly off the bench for the young midfielder, whose rustiness was evidenced when he put his shot straight at Heath goalkeeper Alfie Hadfield.
Creating their first good opportunity of the match seemed to give Hassocks confidence and helped set the tone for the remainder of a half in which the Robins pushed and pushed.
Two more changes helped to intensify the momentum Hassocks were building, Westlake introducing himself into the action along with assistant head coach Phil Gault.
Hassocks got the goal they deserved on 79 minutes. Loversidge embarked on a really good run into the box, where despite being clattered by a number of Heath defenders he managed to remain upright.
That was until Hadfield came rushing from his line with enough contact finally being made on Loversidge to convince referee Oliver Westgate to point to the spot.
Despite a delay in the taking of the penalty, Phil Johnson kept a cool head and slotted the ball under the body of Hadfield for his 14th goal of the season.
Sensing an equaliser within their grasp and wanting the game to restart as soon as possible, several Hassocks players went to retrieve the ball which Hadfield had grabbed and was now refusing to let go off.
This resulted in handbags at dawn and a melee in the goal during which Hadfield pushed Westlake into the side netting, receiving a red card from Mr Westgate for his troubles.
Hassocks now had 10 minutes plus stoppage time in which to find a leveller against a Heath outfit down to 10 men and with an outfield player having taken over between the sticks.
It very much looked like game on. Heath though to their credit used the red card in the right way, refocussing and battening down the hatches.
The Robins did plenty of huffing and puffing but could find no way through in the time remaining, leaving them to return home empty handed.
Hassocks: Joe Southam; Harvey Blake, Bradley Tighe, Alex Bygraves, Joe Bull; JJ Minty, Mike Williamson, Jamie Wilkes, Jack Troak; Phil Johnson, Pat Harding.
Subs: Alfie Loversidge, James Westlake, Phil Gault (used).
Bedlam Brewery Starman: Bradley Tighe.
