Robins roll over Roffey to get back to winning ways
Following two consecutive defeats after nearly going a year unbeaten in the Southern Combination League Under 23 North Division, Hassocks got back to winning ways against Roffey.
The Robins ran out comfortable 3-0 victors with probably the most pleasing aspect being a first clean sheet of the campaign for Jack Thomas and his defence.
This was a meeting between the sides who finished first and second last season, although Hassocks were a long way clear in winning the title by 16 points.
Early days it might be, but the North Division looks like it will be a much closer run thing this time around.
Broadbridge Heath and Lingfield inflicted those two aforementioned reversals on Hassocks, 4-1 and 6-1 respectively.
Both the Bears and the Lingers seem certain to be in championship contention. So too Horsham YMCA, who have made a flying start.
Hassocks host YM at the Beacon next Thursday night in what will be another stern test for Neil Parker and his players.
Parker made four changes from last week’s heavy loss against Lingfield at the New Defence. Billy Dove and Cavan Chedzey dropped down to the bench whilst Jack Smith missed out altogether.
Sam Smith was unavailable having started for the first team in their 2-1 Sussex Transport Senior Cup win away at AFC Uckfield Town 48 hours earlier.
Josh Mundy also played in that one, but with plenty of fuel left in the 18-year-old’s tank he came in for an Under 23s debut to form a new-look midfield partnership alongside Lewis Westlake.
The Robins’ club captain got more minutes under his belt as he continues to work his way back from a year out injured.
So far, so good, with Westlake expected to be named in the senior squad for Saturday’s home game with AFC Varndeanians.
Good news for him, bad news for the entertainment value of the Hassocks Twitter account if Westlake is no longer running it on matchdays.
The other two players coming into the side were the Nandhra brothers, Josh and Kian. Their presence alongside Sam Fernley meant Hassocks started with three players from their Under 18s in the XI.
Fernley provided one of the goals, opening his Under 23s account for the season in the process. He was joined on the scoresheet by yet another one of the Under 18s contingent, Cavan Chedzey notching as a substitute.
Chedzey is enjoying quite the time of it for the Under 23s, this being a third goal in as many games for the former Hurstpierpoint youngster.
The ever reliable George Mercer was the third Robin to find the back of the net, who at the age of 21 was one of the oldest players in the side after Westlake and Dan Turner.
With three more Under 18s in Evan China, Ed Tobias and Alex Wintle joining Chedzey in coming off the bench, the future is looking very bright at the Beacon.
Hassocks: Jack Thomas, Wes Tighe, Dan Turner, Noah McHale, Sam Fernley, Kian Nandhra, Lewis Westlake, Josh Mundy, George Mercer, Josh Nandhra, Sam Geard.
Subs: Cavan Chedzey, Evan China, Alex Wintle, Billy Dove, Ed Tobias (used).
