Big semi ends in heartbreak with Robins on wrong end of nine goal thriller
Nine goals were shared between Hassocks and Newhaven in their Southern Combination League Under 18 Cup semi final at the Trafalgar Ground.
Unfortunately for Hassocks, it was the hosts who scored six of them to eliminate the Robins in what can only be described as a classic cup tie… for the neutral, at least.
This was Hassocks’ second semi final heartbreak of the campaign. The Robins had been the last Southern Combination League side standing in the Sussex Dennis Probee Youth Cup, advancing all the way to the final four where they found Isthmian League outfit Whitehawk just too strong.
Hassocks eliminated Newhaven 3-2 in the quarter finals of that competition, creating something of a rivalry between the sides despite the fact they play in different regional divisions.
Barring a late collapse in form from either Peacehaven & Telscombe or Eastbourne United – who the Robins beat 3-0 in round three of the League Cup – the Dockers will finish third in the East Division.
That is the same position Hassocks are aiming for in the Central Division, underlining how evenly matched these teams are.
The Robins had the added incentive of knowing that the final would take place at the Beacon. Newhaven will now face Alfold on Sunday 30th April at the home of Hassocks, making for a busy Bank Holiday weekend. The Beacon also holds the Peter Bentley League Cup final the following day.
Hassocks arrived at the Trafalgar Ground in good spirits following Sunday’s 4-1 win at Steyning Town, which made it four successive wins and only one goal conceded.
The Robins made four changes from their victory over the Barrowmen. Alex Brewer and Sam Fernley were welcomed back having missed the trip to the Birchwood Ground in order to make their full first team debuts at the same venue on Easter Monday morning. Both played for over 70 minutes and did well down the left and right flanks respectively.
Oliver Parker-Williams was introduced off the bench by James Westlake in place of Fernley and that meant he too was rested for the Under 18s game against the Steyning before also returning at Newhaven.
Oliver Gosway was the other recall with the four players missing out being Sam Dean, Ben Foster, Ewan Edwards and Harry Goatcher.
In any other game this season, scoring three times would have been enough to see Hassocks to victory. On this occasion however, they came up against a Dockers side for whom Alex Patching was in mesmerising form.
The East Division’s top scorer notched four of the Newhaven goals to move onto 29 for the season from just 17 appearances. Without Pathig, it could have been a different story.
Hassocks had been similarly undone in the Dennis Probee Cup by a performance of individual brilliance, when Toby Reeder scored all three for Whitehawk. Joining Patching on the scoresheet for the Dockers were Dexter Lambert and Joe MacLean.
The Robins goals came from two of those players who have pushed their way into first team contention. Parker-Williams scored twice to extend his hot streak to five goals in his past five appearances. Brewer was also on target.
Despite their defeat, this young Hassocks side can be proud of their efforts in reaching two cup semi finals this season.
With the majority of the squad eligible for Under 18s football next season, the future looks bright – particularly if they can take their form in knockout competitions and apply it consistently in the bread and butter of league football.
Hassocks: Jack Thomas, George Gladding, Ed Tobias, Oliver Goswamy, Alex Wintle, Sam Fernley, Max Ward, Jack Duckett, Alex Brewer, Oliver Parker-Williams, Will Varley.
Subs: Harry Goatcher (used).
