Young Robins beat Badgers to set up another semi final
Having reached the last four of the Sussex Bluefin Dennis Probee Youth Cup earlier in the season, Hassocks Under 18s secured another semi final spot in the Southern Combination Under 18 League Cup with a 3-0 victory away at Seaford Town.
The young Robins will now face a strong Newhaven side away from home on Thursday 13th April, kick off 8pm at the Trafalgar Ground.
Seaford had knocked out Central Division leaders and one of the favourites for the League Cup Burgess Hill Town in the previous round, so Hassocks knew they were in for a test at the Crouch.
However, a combination of resolute defending and clinical finishing proved to be the difference on the day.
The Robins took the lead after 25 minutes following great work by Oliver Parker-Williams to cross into the box, where Will Varley headed home.
With Jack Duckett pulling the strings in midfield, Hassocks created several more chances after that in what remained of the first half but were not able to convert any as they went into the break with a slender advantage.
The Badgers came out strongly in the second half and dominated possession. It needed the Robins defence led by Sam Dean, George Gladding and Ed Tobias to hold firm, as they have done on several occasions this season.
Jack Thomas in goal has had a fine campaign between the sticks, including playing seven times for the Under 23s.
He underlined his potential with a fantastic save from a header on the hour as Seaford sought an equaliser. Hassocks were beginning to find out this game was far from won.
Despite seeing little of the ball, the Robins remained a threat on the counter, with 15-year-old Oliver Goswamy on the left causing constant problems for Seaford.
It was no surprise that when Hassocks doubled their advantage, it came from playing on the break. There were 65 minutes on the clock when Sam Fernley found Varley, who unleashed a magnificent right footed volley to put the Robins 2-0 up. Some goal to score when under the cosh in a cup quarter final.
That seemed to suitably calm the nerves and Hassocks began to enjoy themselves – except for those struck down with cramp, of whom there were several after three weeks without any competitive football.
Not wanting to take any risks, the Robins introduced Ewan Edwards, Ben Foster and top scorer Alex Brewer. Brewer has been held back in recent weeks on his return from injury, although he was named in the first team squad for the first time when an unused sub against Crowborough Athletic on Tuesday night.
Alex Wintle and Harry Goatcher showed no signs of cramp or fatigue, continuing to have a private race to see who could cover every blade of grass on the pitch first.
Despite the two goal deficit, Seaford to their credit never gave up. There was not much they could do when Hassocks added the killer third in the final 10 minutes.
Varley outmuscled his opposite number on the half way line and repaid the earlier compliment of being teed up by Fernley with a clipped through ball.
The marauding Fernley went clear and beat the home goalkeeper one-on-one, despite the cries of the unmarked Brewer waiting for the square pass and a tap in.
It was game over another onto arch rivals Newhaven, who Hassocks overcame 3-2 in a very tight County Cup quarter final earlier in the season.
The Dockers will be after revenge and that should make for a superb evening of football and another good test for this Robins side, who have really thrived and done the club proud in knockout competitions this year.
With a number of 15-year-olds, they are amongst the youngest sides in the Southern Combination League but are having a fantastic first campaign together.
All are local boys from Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint and Burgess Hill and many have longstanding links with the Robins. They would be delighted if you could make the trip to Newhaven next Thursday to give them your full support.
Hassocks: Jack Thomas, Sam Dean, George Gladding, Ed Tobias, Sam Fernley, Alex Wintle, Harry Goatcher, Oliver Goswamy, Jack Duckett, Will Varley, Oliver Parker-Williams.
Subs: Alex Brewer, Ben Foster, Ewan Edwards (used).
