Hassocks edged out in seven goal thriller by late rally from leaders Hillians
Seven goals were shared between Hassocks Under 18s and Burgess Hill Town Under 18s as the Robins came very close to becoming the first team to defeat the Southern Combination Under 18 Central Division leaders in the league this season.
In the end though, it was the Hillians who just about did enough to win 4-3 on an interesting morning of football at the Burgess Hill Academy, the artist previously known as Oakmeeds to those of us of an older generation.
Hassocks were greeted by a pitch with so many craters that it made the Grand Canyon resemble Wembley. There was only one dugout which was more akin to a battered and bruised tent after five days at Glastonbury and the game taking place beforehand between Hill’s Under 16s and Horley Town had ended in dramatic circumstances.
With Hassocks facing a big semi in the Sussex Bluefin Dennis Probee Youth Cup next week against Newhaven, the playing surface was a bit of a concern.
The Robins were therefore pleased to leave relatively unscathed and having given a talented Hillians outfit who have topped the table for the entire season a real scare.
Hassocks made two changes from last Sunday’s 3-2 County Cup quarter final victory over Newhaven. Ben Foster and Oliver Goswamy were rested to the bench.
Goswamy in particular has been vital to the Robins’ run to the final four, scoring all four of his goals this season in the three rounds of the competition Hassocks have played so far.
Top scorer Alex Brewer was welcomed back after a couple of weeks absence with Sam Dean promoted into the starting XI from the bench.
With Brewer, Will Varley and Oliver Parker-Williams all in the side, Hassocks were clearly setting out to take the game to opponents who had conceded just eight goals from 11 matches coming into the tie.
And it was a plan which looked like it was going to pay off spectacularly when the Robins deservedly found their way into a 3-1 lead. Brewer marked his return with his first two goals of 2023 with Munt joining him on the scoresheet.
Hassocks might have even had more. They were correctly awarded a clear penalty to add a fourth, only for the referee to change his mind after a long talking to from Hill players and their assistant referee.
That moment turned out to be costly for the Robins. The Hillians have a powerful squad made up of players from the Russel Martin Academy and they made the most of their quality and depth, turning to the bench to find three goals.
Top scorer Malik Mundoma had notched first for the Hillians with the game turned on its head by substitutes Austin Potter, Theo Maryon and Damien Theodore.
Defeat dropped Hassocks to fourth in the table below Shoreham. All eyes now are on that semi final next week, where the Robins’ opponents have been confirmed as Isthmian League side Whitehawk.
Kick off is 11am at the Beacon and all support is very welcome as Hassocks go on the hunt for giant killing. Admission is free.
Hassocks: Jack Thomas, Sam Dean, George Gladding, Ed Tobias, Sam Fernley, Alex Wintle, Toby Munt, Harry Goatcher, Will Varley, Oliver Parker-Williams, Alex Brewer.
Subs: Oliver Goswamy, Ben Foster, Ryan Goss (used).
