Robins into County Cup last eight after mauling the Mavericks
The Sussex Bluefin Dennis Probee Youth Cup has not provided much joy for Hassocks Under 18s since the Robins lifted the trophy for the one and only time in 2002.
Just once in the intervening 21 years had Hassocks gone as far as the quarter finals in the county competition. That was the treble winning side of 2017-18, whose memorable run to the last eight saw them eliminate Eastbourne Borough and Worthing before falling to Chichester City.
The class of 2023 have now matched that achievement after beating Worthing United 4-0 at the Beacon to set up a quarter final home tie against Newhaven on Sunday 19th February.
Newhaven sit sixth in the Southern Combination League Under 18 East Division but their County Cup conquests indicate what a difficult tie it will be for Hassocks, the Dockers having already knocked out Three Bridges and Little Common.
Worthing United arrived at the Beacon with a seriously impressive scalp of their own, shocking Burgess Hill Town in the previous round to deny Hassocks a second Mid Sussex Derby in a row in the competition after the Robins knocked out St Francis Rangers on penalties.
Spot kicks were also required when Hassocks made progress in the League Cup from the long journey down to Selsey last weekend.
The Robins made three changes from the side who came away from the wonderfully named Seal Bay Resort Stadium with a place in round three of that competition.
Max Ward, Matt Mongardini and Will Varley were all missing. Varley’s absence was a particular blow with him averaging a goal a game so far this season.
Hassocks were at least able to welcome back 14-goal top scorer Alex Brewer. He came into the starting XI alongside the returning Oliver Goswamy and Alex Wintle.
Having lost 2-1 against United when the sides met in the Central Division at the Beacon back in September, the Robins expected a tough morning to lie in store.
Hassocks though were superb, blowing away the visitors via goals from Goswamy, George Gladding, Ed Tobias and substitute Oliver Parker-Williams.
Jack Thomas and his defence recorded a first clean sheet since the 4-0 win over Lancing in November, completing a perfect morning for the Robins.
Hassocks were also boosted by the news that Shoreham had beaten AFC Varndeanians in the league, strengthening the Robins’ grip on third place in the standings.
Next week sees Hassocks return to Central Division action for the first time in 2023 before that massive quarter final with Newhaven.
The Robins will take on very familiar opponents as they make the trip to the Robert Albon Memorial Ground to face United for the second Sunday running.
Hassocks: Jack Thomas, Ben Foster, George Gladding, Ed Tobias, Sam Fernley, Oliver Goswamy, Alex Wintle, Toby Munt, Sam Dean, Harry Goatcher, Alex Brewer.
Subs: Oliver Parker-Williams, Ryan Goss (used).
