Injuries cost Robins dear in defeat against United
A 3-1 defeat at home to Eastbourne United only told half the story for Hassocks Ladies, who could be proud of their efforts given the circumstances.
The Robins started the match with a squad of just 12 thanks to four being unavailable. Two injuries during the game further compounded matters and left Hassocks to play out the final 22 minutes with only 10 players.
United began the game on the front foot and saw an early shot saved by Robins goalkeeper Sarah Chappell.
Some good defending was immediately needed by Emma Flin and Katie Read at the expense of a United corner.
From this delivery, there was something of a goalmouth scramble ended when Chappell was grateful to grab the loose ball.
A United shot was narrowly wide next before Hassocks began to get into their stride. Jess Craig produced an excellent turn and run and then Jodie Johanson and Jess Gray combined to earn the Robins a corner. Gray next played a through ball which Lola Moon could not quite reach ahead of the United goalkeeper.
The game was by now flowing from end to end. Chappell made a smart save from a dangerous looking free kick but Hassocks were not to be outdone. Craig played in Moon whose shot was well repelled by the visitor’s number one.
Hassocks lost their first player to injury two minutes before half time when Emma Flin came off worse in an accidental collision.
Flin’s place was taken by Ellie Moquet, who was soon into the action when having to make a timely clearance before the half ended goalless.
United started brightly after the break just as they had in the first half. Tallie Bright headed off the lune and Claire Stevens also needed to head clear.
The pressure though eventually told when United took the lead on 53 minutes. Rebecca Relf crossed and substitute Shantelle Omar was on hand to power a header out of reach of Chappell.
United now had their tails up and went in search of a second. Stevens did well to cover a break, sending the ball out for a corner when the visitors would have fancied their chances of scoring.
Hassocks had several opportunities to clear once the corner came into the box but were unable to do so in another goalmouth scramble. Eventually, Jess King teed up Elanor McManus to slot home just three minutes after Omar struck.
Both King and McManus had come off the bench for United and with their opener having been provided by another replacement in Omar, the lack of substitutes available to Hassocks was by now taking an obvious toll.
To make matters worse, Craig suffered an injury on 68 minutes which significantly restricted her mobility. Not wanting to leave her team down to 10, Craig bravely soldiered on.
This did though place an extra burden on Katherine Chappell in midfield, who was now having to effectively do the work of two players.
Chappell had previously been involved in a lot of the Robins’ promising attacking moves, but obviously her ability to create was lessened in the circumstances.
Sarah Chappell had to make a good save as United pressed to try and take advantage and Stevens chased back to clear, injuring herself in the process. Thankfully, Stevens recovered after some treatment and was able to see out the game.
Unfortunately, Craig could not and was eventually forced off on 73, leaving Hassocks to see out what remained of the 90 plus injury time with a player disadvantage.
Read made a superb clearance off the line but the pressure eventually told when United added their third through their Player of the Match, Georgia Townsend. Playing at left back, Townsend was solid defensively and a constant threat going forward.
Hassocks refused to throw in the towel and duly got a consolation, which was the very least they deserved for their commitment.
Moon embarked on a great run and finish for a fine individual goal and an impressive way to open her account for the Robins.
Hassocks had one more chance late in the day from a Gray free kick but were unable to reduce the deficit further.
Despite the defeat, all 12 Hassocks players could be proud of their efforts. Ultimately, the Robins were undone by being short of several regulars and the subsequent injuries leaving the manager with no options to make any changes.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Katie Read, Emma Flin, Claire Stevens, Jo Brown, Jodie Johanson, Jess Craig, Jess Gray, Tallie Bright, Lola Moon, Katherine Chappell.
Subs: Ellie Moquet (used).
Silver Rocket Brewing Star Player: Katie Read.
