Under 23s and Ladies got their hands on silverware in final month of 2022-23
Two pieces of silverware were added to the Beacon trophy cabinet in May as Hassocks got their hands on the Southern Combination League Under 23 North Division and the Sussex County Women’s League titles.
The Under 23s had actually been crowned champions in April without kicking a ball, meaning they had to wait to lift the trophy.
Neil Parker’s side could not be caught at the top of the standing when Loxwood informed the league they would not be completing their remaining fixtures, leading to Hassocks being awarded three points for their still-to-be-played clash against the Magpies.
The Robins played twice in May, winning both their matches to complete the campaign having dropped just five points with a record of 16 wins, one draw and one defeat.
Phil Gault hit a hat-trick in a 3-0 win away at Oakwood. A week later and Gault scored a brace as Hassocks saw off previous champions Broadbridge Heath 4-2 at the BodyMould Community Stadium, taking him onto 10 goals in seven appearances.
The other scorers against the Bears were George Mercer and Sam Geard. Tyler Symonds and Charlie Mark were on target for the hosts with both those goals coming in the opening 25 minutes.
Hassocks Ladies played three times through May. Their first match saw Pagham visit the Beacon, where the Robins racked up double figures in a stunning 10-2 success.
Jess Craig and Maddie Cannon were hat-trick heroes with the other goals coming from Katherine Chappell, Emma Flin, Kirsten Mair and Jemma Lindfield.
Hassocks then wrapped up their title win with a game to spare, beating runners up Bognor Regis Town 5-2 away from home.
The Robins trailed 2-1 up until the hour mark. Emily Spooner had given Hassocks the lead, only for two goals from the Rocks to turn things around.
Once Lindfield equalised however, there was only going to be one winner. Spooner struck twice more in the 73rd and 81st minutes to complete her hat-trick and Mia Pordage rounded things off two minutes later.
Bognor also provided the opposition for the final game of the season, with this second trip to the west of the county in the space of two weeks providing an even bigger victory.
Chappell scored four, Claire Stevens two and Spooner and Mair one apiece as Hassocks won 8-3, signing off for the campaign in style.
Like the Under 23s, the Ladies lost just one league game all year. The Robins’ record read 12 wins, two draws and that single defeat.
There was one first team match played in May, Hassocks travelling to Peacehaven & Telscombe where their Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup adventure came to an end at the quarter final stage.
Cam Wiltshire gave the Tye a ninth minute lead with a late Goal of the Season contender, hitting a distance effort into the top corner from 30 yards.
Liam Benson moved onto 19 for the campaign when he provided the equaliser five minutes later. For the next 75 minutes, it looked like penalties were going to be required to separate the sides.
Having won their previous two shootouts in the 2022-23 season against Steyning Town and Saltdean United, the Robins would have fancied their chances from 12 yards.
But sadly, the game did get that far. A long throw in the 90th minute caused utter confusion in the Hassocks box, where Billy Oliver eventually fired past James Shaw in an almighty goalmouth scramble to win it for the hosts.
The Veterans completed their campaign with one final game in May. Victory at home against long-term Mid Sussex Veterans Division One leaders Sidley United would have seen Hassocks pip the Blues to the title.
Unfortunately for the Robins, Sidley showed why they had led the way for practically the entire season by running out 4-1 winners.
Wes Tate, Ross Southwood and substitutes Dean Pugh and Nicky Styles scored for the visitors. Steve Spies notched the Hassocks consolation.
