Hassocks have to battle to see off plucky Pagham in nine goal thriller
Despite being pegged back three times, Hassocks Ladies maintained their unbeaten Sussex County Women’s League Premier Division record with a highly entertaining 5-4 win over Pagham.
Victory at the Beacon ensured that the Robins remained top of the table on goal difference ahead of Shoreham, who Hassocks visit again next Sunday just two weeks after a 3-1 win at Middle Road.
The Robins started on the front foot against Pagham. An early Mia Pordage pass found Katherine Chappell whose shot was into the side netting.
Pordage continued that lively beginning by opening the scoring in the seventh minute following a fine run and pass by Jodie Johanson.
Hassocks did not have to wait long to double their lead. Just six minutes later and the Pagham goalkeeper could not gather a high cross by Tallie Bright. Katherine Chappell was on hand to slot home her 24th of the season from just 10 appearances.
The Robins thought they had scored a third when Pordage was found by another Johanson pass. Pordage put the ball into the back of the net, only to be belatedly judged offside.
After that let off, Pagham raised their game. Sarah Chappell had to make a smart in the 28th minute but the relief was short-lived as the visitors almost immediately reduced the deficit to 2-1 following a defensive mix up.
Hassocks responded and went close to retaking a two-goal lead when a Kirsten Mair pass found Johanson to shoot just wide. Johanson was finding plenty of space on the right and another effort flew narrowly over.
The Robins were beginning to look in control again, only to let Pagham level the game at 2-2. Chappell was unable to reach a cross and the Pagham forward took advantage by turning the ball home.
There were more twists and turns before half time. Pordage crossed for Johanson to make it 3-2 with a first time shot, which looked like it would be enough to send Hassocks into the break with the lead.
Pagham though were not done yet and equalised for a second time right on the stroke of half time. A high shot from distance found the top corner to make the score 3-3 when Hassocks probably should have been out of sight with the chances they had enjoyed.
Manager Sean Perkins made a change ahead of the second half with Holly Webb replaced by Shannon McFadden. Webb had put in a good shift, battling well and making several good tackles.
It did not take long after the restart for Hassocks to retake the lead. A mazy run from Chappell ended with a clever pass to Mair, who calmly scored the Robins’ fourth of the afternoon.
Defender Jo Brown then joined a Hassocks attack, helping Mair to win a corner which unfortunately came to nothing.
Despite being outplayed generally, Pagham to their credit kept fighting. A 65th minute through ball forced keeper Chappell into making a great block with Claire Stevens completing the clearance.
That was a reminder for Hassocks that Pagham could still be dangerous going forward and three minutes later, they equalised for a third time.
An attempted clearance by the Robins defence was blocked with the rebound falling nicely for a forward to easily score and make it 4-4.
Hassocks now faced the challenge of attempting to take the lead for a fourth time. Jess Craig began to boss midfield with her touch and skill, well supported by McFadden who had been constantly looking to make something happen since coming on.
It was a foul on McFadden in the 72nd minute which gave the Robins the opportunity to make the score 5-4 from the penalty spot. Craig duly despatched the kick expertly into the corner, giving the Pagham goalkeeper no chance.
Hassocks were determined not to let yet another lead slip and apart from two scares, they generally looked in control. A Pagham through ball was well cut out and McFadden headed away a dangerous corner.
At the other end, the Robins missed several chances to add a sixth. A first time effort from Craig was saved before Chappell fired just wide and Pordage narrowly missed.
Hassocks will know that the result should have been more decisive, but the players deserve credit for keeping calm and eventually coming out on top despite surrendering the lead three times.
Although outplayed generally, Pagham looked dangerous on the break and defenders Emma Flin, Stevens and Brown had to make a number of timely interceptions.
In midfield and upfront, Hassocks always looked dangerous with Craig assured and in control and Johanson always looking dangerous on the right-hand side.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Claire Stevens, Jo Brown, Kirsten Mair, Emma Flin, Holly Webb, Tallie Bright, Jess Craig, Jodie Johnason, Mia Pordage, Katherine Chappell.
Subs: Shannon McFadden (used).
Bedlam Brewery Star Player: Jess Craig.
