On loan Three Bridges teenager leads the way in a midfield heavy top three
October proved to be happy time of it for Josh Mundy as he established himself in the Hassocks midfield and took the Robins October Player of the Month award in the process.
The youngster has had to wait somewhat patiently for a run of starts since his summer arrival on loan from Three Bridges but with Jamie Wilkes pushed further forward, Mundy grasped the opportunity alongside Mike Williamson.
Mundy started five of Hassocks’ seven matches through the month with his finest performance coming in the 2-2 Peter Bentley League Cup third round draw against Haywards Heath Town.
He was named Robins Starman in that Mid Sussex Derby, running the show from midfield on a night when the relentless rain made playing good football particularly treacherous.
Mundy also impressed away at East Grinstead Town in the Sussex Senior Cup as Hassocks came close to an upset against their Isthmian League South East Division hosts before two late Wasps goals sent the visitors to a 3-1 defeat.
To watch the control and discipline Mundy offers in midfield to forget that he is still only a teenager. A very bright future clearly lies ahead.
October turned out to be a good month for midfielders with second place in Player of the Month going to Wilkes and Williamson coming in third.
As already noted, the rangy Wilkes was given an opportunity to live up to his tall striker label by spending a large part of the month playing off Liam Benson as a number 10.
From this more advanced role, Wilkes caused plenty of problems. He won the free kick converted by Super Pat Harding for the second Hassocks goal against Heath in the Peter Bentley.
AFC Uckfield Town struggled to deal with their former player as Wilkes looked a real threat throughout the 1-1 draw with the Oakmen and with a little bit of luck, he would have opened his account for the season when Horsham YMCA somehow escaped the Beacon with a 0-0 draw for their efforts.
Wilkes had two good chances against YM, only for some intelligent goalkeeping from Aaron Jeal doing just about enough to put him off on both occasions.
The highlight of October for Williamson meanwhile came as he captained Hassocks for the first time when the Robins went to East Grinstead Town in the Senior Cup.
His importance was shown throughout the month as even with James Westlake rotating players to cope with a busy schedule of seven fixtures, Williamson started every game.
He was named Starman against AFC Uckfield and was at the centre of the biggest talking point from the YM stalemate when visiting captain Dean Lovegrove was sent off for a terrible lunge on Williamson two minutes into the second half.
Hassocks were unfortunately unable to make the most of their numerical advantage despite the best efforts in the remaining 43 minutes.
