Hassocks hit for six by early league leaders Lingers
Having gone nearly a calendar year without losing a Southern Combination Under 23 North Division match, Hassocks have now been defeated twice in seven days.
Following last week’s 4-1 defeat at Broadbridge Heath, the Robins had no answers to a hugely impressive Lingfield side.
The final score was 6-1 to the hosts, who are certainly enjoying life at their temporary home for the season of the New Defence having now won four out of four with 18 goals scored to top the early table.
When these sides last met back in March, Hassocks produced one of the most important results of their 2022-23 championship winning season.
Trailing 3-1 going into injury time, two late goals salvaged a 3-3 draw and provided the platform from which the Robins went onto lift the title thanks to the belief and confidence taken from that night at Godstone Road.
There was to be not such repeat on this occasion. The Lingers were comprehensive winners who had in their captain and hat-trick hero Ryan Lovejoy the best player on the pitch.
Hassocks made wholesale changes from the side beaten by the Bears a week earlier. Julian Durand was suspended having been sent off midway through the first half at the Bodymould Mattresses Stadium.
George Gladding, Ben Hicks and Kobe Dersley were unavailable with the latter returning to university. Alfie Loversidge and Kyle Woolven were required for first team duty at Eastbourne United at the weekend whilst Lewis Westlake dropped down the to bench as his minutes continue to be carefully managed on his comeback from injury.
Sam Fernley, Billy Dove, Noah McHale, Wes Tighe and Cavan Chedzey were all promoted into the starting XI having sat on the bench against Heath.
The other two players coming in were Dan Turner and Sam Smith, providing some first team experience to what was a very young line up. At the age of 23, Turner was the second-oldest player on show after Smith.
Joining the impressive Lovejoy on the scoresheet for Lingfield were Jack Lazarus and two substitutes, both Ellis Newbold and Dylan Page notching from the bench.
Chedzey grabbed the Hassocks consolation on what was his full debut for the Robins. The former Hurstpierpoint youngster also notched from the bench against Broadbridge Heath.
After two very tough game on the road, the Robins will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways when they return to the Beacon next Thursday night.
Roffey are the opponents with kick off at 7:45pm and any support will be greatly appreciated.
Hassocks: Jack Thomas, Billy Dove, Dan Turner, Sam Smith, Jack Smith, Wes Tighe, Noah McHale, George Mercer, Sam Fernley, Sam Geard, Cavan Chedzey.
Subs: Lewis Westlake, Evan China, Alex Wintle, Josh Akturk (used).
