Brave Robins missing seven go down to table topping Newhaven
On an extremely wet afternoon, Hassocks Ladies headed to play top of the table Newhaven on the 3G pitch at the Trafalgar Ground.
The Robins were without seven regular starters and so despite a 4-0 defeat, the 12 available players could be proud of their efforts.
They gave everything in a game in which they could easily have been totally overcome by a very confident and skillful Dockers squad.
It was actually Hassocks who started the more confidently, after which Claire Stevens was called into action dealing with a Newhaven attack.
Holly Webb then had an excellent few minutes, firstly covering well to earn the Robins a goal kick followed by a great block from a Dockers shot after a flying passing move.
Goalkeeper Ellie Moquet made the first of numerous good saves with 17 minutes played, pushing a goal bound shot onto the bar.
Newhaven were well on top by now and Stevens again had to be alert to see the ball behind for a goal kick.
Katie Read headed away a dangerous looking corner, Moquet made another fine save and Jess Craig leapt highest just as Read had a few minutes earlier to head away.
Having survived 33 minutes, Hassocks had their resistance broken by a fortunate Dockers goal. A Katie Franks cross from the right looped over the head of Moquet and crashed against the angle of the bar and post, giving the Robins goalkeeper no chance.
Read was continuing to endure a busy afternoon in her full back position and had to deal with another testing cross shortly after Newhaven took the lead.
Hassocks opted to make a change in the 37th minute, Steph Wingeatt coming off after some good battling in midfield to be replaced by Shannon McFadden.
Newhaven came close to doubling their lead in the final few minutes of the first half. They rattled the post which then needed a great recovery tackle from Webb to prevent a forward putting the ball into the empty net, followed by a corner whipped in at pace headed away by Stevens.
During the interval, the heavens opened and the sky became so dark the floodlights had to be switched on, even though it was not even 3pm in the afternoon.
The second half started much the same as the first had ended with Newhaven on the attack. Moquet made an important save and was then alert to rush from her line and clear a dangerous through ball.
Hassocks at last fashioned an attempt on goal in response, Mandy Morgan forcing a good block by a Dockers defender.
That attack from the Robins seemed to drive Newhaven on, the hosts forcing a corner dealt with by McFadden.
The Dockers doubled their lead with 59 minutes on the clock. Moquet initially made a superb save, only for Lucy Collinson to react quickest and follow up to put the loose ball into the back of the net.
Hassocks had an injury scare when Webb needed treatment after bravely blocking a cross but she was thankfully cleared to carry on, meaning the Robins could five Morgan a rest with Wingeatt returning to the action.
Newhaven though continued to press and scored an excellent third goal in the 70th minute when Paige Ripley cut inside and placed a perfect shot into the corner of the net.
Moquet saved again from a corner before the Robins made what proved to be their final substitution, Morgan replacing Jess Gray who had shown several glimpses of her excellent control in midfield.
To their credit, Hassocks were not giving up despite the scoreline and began to pose a threat to Newhaven.
Lola Moon showed some great skill in a promising position until being crowded out after being found by a pinpoint Craig pass. Spooner then tested the Dockers goalkeeper with an effort direct from a free kick requiring a good save.
Moquet was called into action again at the other end with probably her best save of the afternoon, bravely diving at the feet of an onrushing forward to claim the ball.
Stevens made another important block but as the game entered stoppage time, it looked like Newhaven were going to have to settle for a 3-0 win. That was until substitute Jamie Quinn scored with an unstoppable shot rifled in from outside the area.
Although losing 4-0, all the Hassocks players can be pleased with their performance against a very good side on an afternoon when being without seven regular starters made the task almost impossible.
With Hassocks mainly having to defend, the forward players inevitably found it hard going. The defence and midfield battled well with Emma Flin making several good interceptions. Deservedly, keeper Moquet was the manager’s choice of Hassocks player of the match.
Hassocks: Ellie Moquet, Katie Read, Holly Webb, Claire Stevens, Emma Flin, Jess Gray, Jess Craig, Emily Spooner, Lola Moon, Mandy Morgan, Steph Wingeatt.
Subs: Shannon McFadden (used).
Silver Rocket Brewing Star Player: Ellie Moquet
