Robins first defeat comes to improved Tigers in League Cup quarters
For the first time this season, Hassocks Ladies were defeated as their eight game unbeaten start was ended in the quarter finals of the Sussex County Women’s League Cup via a 4-1 loss at the hands of Saltdean United Development.
The Tigers are vastly improved from the team Hassocks faced in both their opening game of the campaign and their most recent fixture three weeks ago and they proved too strong for the Robins at Hill Park.
It was fairly even in the early exchanges. Saltdean had a shot saved by Sarah Chappell whilst an attack at the other end from the Robins saw Maddie Cannon cross but Katherine Chappell just unable to reach.
Hassocks were awarded a sixth minute free kick which looked to be in a promising position, only for the home goalkeeper to comfortably gather Kirsten Mair’s effort.
Saltdean should probably have taken the lead in the 10th minute after a mix up in the Robins defence. Holly Webb though had read the danger and was excellently positioned to clear off the line.
The Tigers gradually asserted themselves more and more as the half went on. Both Jo Brown and Claire Stevens had to make telling interceptions to prevent dangerous situations from developing.
Another Saltdean shot was just over the bar before Hassocks responded, forcing a corner which came to nothing. The Tigers broke down the other end, winning a free kick which had to be headed away by Stevens once delivered into a testing area of the Hassocks box.
It looked like the sides were going to go into the break locked at 0-0 which would have been a fair reflection on the game up until that point.
Unfortunately though, the Robins gifted Saltdean a 38th minute lead when a home forward picked up a loose clearance and calmly slotted the ball home.
Falling behind in such circumstances was harsh on Hassocks, especially their midfield three of Cannon, Jess Craig and Shannon McFadden, who had competed well against an organised and talented group of Tigers players.
Still, the Robins felt confident that they could get back into the match. Saltdean though started the second half very brightly and it became clear Hassocks were going to need to withstand a lot of early pressure.
An early shot was blocked, a cross cleared by Stevens and another good Tigers move cut out by solid defending from Emma Flin. Chappell had to make a save high up and was then quickly off her line to gather a through ball.
The Robins made a change on 55 minutes with Jodie Johanson replacing Holly Webb and Mia Pordage dropping back into midfield.
Having thought they had weathered the Saltdean storm, Hassocks made another defensive error which led to the Tigers doubling their lead.
A shot back pass was seized upon and slotted convincingly past Chappell, allowing Saltdean to move 2-0 ahead. Craig had a fine effort well saved by the Tigers goalkeeper, after which the hosts broke and made it 3-0.
Hassocks to their credit did not give up and pulled one back in the 71st minute. It was an excellent individual goal from Johanson, cutting in from the right and hitting a powerful effort which gave the Saltdean number one no chance.
The Robins were back in it and knew that if they could force another goal, they could make the closing stages interesting. The tie was though ultimately settled with 78 minutes played when Saltdean scored a fourth.
Hassocks kept going and Johanson won a corner which the Tigers goalkeeper gathered at the second attempt.
Brown and Stevens both had to make important interceptions with Saltdean ending the game playing on the counter and Chappell pulled off an important double save, keeping an initial effort out and then blocking the follow up.
Although losing 4-1 was a disappointing result, Hassocks could feel proud of their efforts against opponents who on this form have every chance of winning the cup.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Claire Stevens, Jo Brown, Kirsten Mair, Emma Flin, Maddie Cannon, Holly Webb, Jess Craig, Shannon McFadden, Mia Pordage, Katherine Chappell.
Subs: Jodie Johanson (Webb 69).
Bedlam Brewery Star Player: Emma Flin.
