Brown bags a good point for Hassocks down to the bare bones
Although Hassocks Ladies lost their 100 percent record, the Robins could still be pleased with their efforts in a 1-1 draw against much-improved Saltdean United Development Squad.
Hassocks arrived at Hill Park without four regulars and having to start the match with just 11 available players to face a new-look Tigers side fresh from beating Burgess Hill Town for their first league win of the season last weekend.
On an extremely windy morning, the Robins had conditions in their favour in the first half. Saltdean though started brightly with Emma Flin having to cut out an early dangerous looking through ball.
Hassocks goalkeeper Sarah Chappell then had to save a shot before the Robins responded with their first opportunity of the game, a Tallie Bright effort saved after good work by Holly Webb.
Maddie Cannon put the ball in the net for Hassocks in the seventh minute but was clearly offside. The game continued to flow from end to end with Chappell having to save another effort on goal before a Jess Craig shot was kept out by the Saltdean goalkeeper.
Hassocks came close to taking the lead in the 14th minute with pressure being applied by Tallie Bright and Maddie Cannon but the ball was scrambled away by the hosts.
The Robins did not have to wait much longer to open the scoring. Two minutes later and a corner from Ellie Moquet was played back to the taker.
Moquet’s cross at the second time of asking was fumbled by the Tigers goalkeeper, allowing Jo Brown to find the net for her first ever Hassocks goal.
Saltdean came back at the Robins and Claire Stevens had to cover, conceding a corner which came to nothing.
Bright blocked an attempt on goal and a great run and cross by Brown just lacked a teammate to apply the finishing touch and convert as the game continued to be a faily even contest.
A 31st minute Hassocks free kick was countered quickly by the Tigers, resulting in a dangerous breakaway which Stevens had to use her speed to cover and clear.
Stevens was involved in an attacking sense in the 35th minute, playing a dangerous looking through ball which looked threatening until the strong wind allowed it to go all the way through to the Saltdean goalkeeper.
Hassocks manager Sean Perkins made a tactical change nine minutes before half time, moving Brown into the back four and pushing Moquet further forward.
Moquet immediately had an effort on goal from a Cannon pass which sparked a frantic finish to the first half. Emma Flin made an important break and then at the other end Jess Craig executed a smart turn and shot which needed to be saved at the expense of a corner.
The Robins again played the corner short before Moquest crossed. Craig met the ball in with a firm header well stopped.
A fairly even first half ended with Hassocks in the lead but knowing they would be up against it in the second half defending the wind which was showing no sign of abating.
The Robins defence had to be alert to the threat and Katie Read – having recovered from her knock on the head the previous week – was particularly prominent against a lively threat coming down the Saltdean left. Stevens produced more good covering followed by a dangerous Tigers cross being missed by everyone.
Hassocks had a couple of injury scares when Holly Webb had to be treated after a clash of heads. Shannon McFaddon followed by going down and also needing treatment having demonstrated her skill and strength in midfield throughout the game so far. Both were okay to continue, playing their parts in what was turning out to be an absorbing contest.
Chappell made an important stop in the 56th minute and 13 minutes later, Saltdean passed up a great chance to equaliser when the forward decided to cut back inside instead of going for a goal with a shot.
That miss did not prove costly however as two minutes later, Dani Jacobs forced the ball home from close range for the equaliser.
The momentum was all with Saltdean now as they continued with the wind in their favour and the ability to make several changes from the bench.
Hassocks though held firm even with a bare 11 and indeed nearly found a winner themselves when a typically mazy run from Jess Craig was halted by some top defender.
Skipper Stevens was alert twice in the final minutes, firstly conceding a corner and then blocking an effort on goal to ensure it finished 1-1.
Considering how much Saltdean had improved since the meeting between the sides on the opening day of season and the number of Hassocks players unavailable, this was definitely a point gained rather than two points lost for the Robins.
With no substitutes on hand, the players can be proud of their efforts in very difficult circumstances.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Claire Stevens, Jo Brown, Katie Read, Emma Flin, Tallie Bright, Holly Webb, Jess Craig, Shannon McFadden, Maddie Cannon, Ellie Moquet.
