Robins maintain their challenge at the top by seeing off Varndeanians
For the second game running, Hassocks ran out 4-1 winners against hard working opponents to maintain their challenge at the top of the Southern Combination League Under 18 Central Division.
Last week’s victory at Saltdean United had come in unseasonal sunshine. Temperatures were much more October like for the visit of AFC Varndeanians to the Beacon but the outcome was still the same.
This was the Robins’ first home game for over a month and they came into it having recorded some mixed results on the road.
League victories at Mile Oak and against the Tigers seven days earlier had the Robins well positioned in third coming into the game with AFC Varndeanians, just behind Lancing and Burgess Hill Town.
The Lancers suffering a surprise 4-3 defeat at home to Saltdean whilst Hassocks were busy beating Vs lifted the Robins into second spot.
Sandwiched between those away victories was a 9-2 defeat away at Crawley Down Gatwick which saw the Robins bow out of the Sussex Dennis Probee Youth Cup.
Conceding nine times at the Haven proved the nadir of a slightly concerning start defensively, with Hassocks shipping 19 goals in their first five matches.
The Robins have become markedly tighter since their loss against Down which, combined with the amount of firepower they have at the other end, should stand them well over the coming months.
Hassocks made only one change from the side who win at Hill Park last Sunday. Top scorer Alex Brewer was absent with his place taken by Will Hartley.
It was a deserved second start of the campaign for Hartley, who has scored twice from the bench including against Saltdean a week ago.
Hartley duly made the most of the opportunity by contributing his third goal of the season. Two from Cavan Chedzey had the Robins on easy street before the scoring was rounded off by substitute Evan China.
Hassocks gave two debuts from the bench with Leo Charman and Ben Murray coming on for their first appearances for the club.
The Robins take a break from Central Division action next week as the Under 18s League Cup gets underway.
Hassocks have been given an away tie against Roffey, who currently sit seventh in the North Division with one win and four defeats from five games.
Kick off at Bartholomew Way is 11am and as always, any support you can give the Young Robins will be very much appreciated.
Hassocks: Theo Bradley, Charlie Fogden, Toby Munt, Oliver Goswamy, Sam Fernley, Kian Nandhra, Sam Dean, George Gladding, James Nandhra, Will Hartley, Cavan Chedzey.
Subs: Evan China, Marko Gabric, Leo Charman, Ben Murray (used).
