Nine player Robins give it a real go at Eastbourne United
On a windy day down at the Oval, Hassocks Ladies were defeated 3-1 by Eastbourne United – but once again, the final score did not tell the whole story.
Due to unavailability, injuries and Covid, the Robins had only nine players. Those nine fought extremely hard to match a full strength United side and with a bit of luck, could even have come away with a point.
Hassocks found themselves defending the 40mph gale blowing from one end of the Oval to the other in the first half and they did so resolutely.
Claire Stevens and Tallie Bright made early clearances and goalkeeper Sarah Chappell saved a direct free kick which the wind gave added power to. The rebound from that might have been turned in, but Ellie Moquet was alert enough to avert danger.
Hassocks had their first attack on 11 minutes when Emily Spooner got a shot away which flashed across goal. Given the conditions, it was an achievement for the Robins just to make it out of their own half.
United came back on the attack, forcing Katie Read into a headed clearance. Moquet then displayed excellent reading of the game to make an important interception.
Having made it to the 30 minute mark with the game scoreless, Hassocks could actually have taken the lead. Mandy Morgan had a sight of goal requiring a good save from United goalkeeper Meagan Cruttwell.
Bright was everywhere up and down the right flank with another powerful run forward allowing her to find Spooner. Just as Spooner was about to pull the trigger, so a home defender arrived to make a last ditch tackle.
Realising they were in danger of not taking advantage of the wind, United doubled their efforts in the final 15 minutes of the half.
Chappell pushed a shot around the post before midfielder Katherine Chappell popped up in the Robins defence to help clear.
This ball forward defied the gale to find Spooner breaking into the United half. Unfortunately, she was isolated and outnumbered by home defenders thanks to Hassocks being those two players short.
Still United continued to come forward. In the 36th minute, Read headed away a dangerous corner. The ball was returned into the box and appeared as though it were about to be carried into the net by the wind until the perfectly positioned Bright cleared off the line.
Just when it looked like the Robins were going to survive until half time on level terms, United broke to open the scoring when debutant Ysabelle Laureles rounded Chappell and produced a composed finish.
Then with 60 seconds to go until the break, Hassocks conceded a second. Rebecca Relf cut in from the right, beat a couple of Robins defenders before curling beyond Chappell into the far corner.
Hassocks were clearly disappointed to have conceded twice so late in the half but they did not dwell and came out after the interval all guns blazing with the wind now in their favour.
Bright and Kirstin Mair had early efforts, followed by Moquet making a rare excursion forward for a shot which was just wide.
Moquet then showed the defensive side of her game, making an important clearance to snuff out a dangerous looking United attack. Chappell was called into action next, saving a long-range lobbed effort.
The 69th minute brought an injury scare for the Robins as Mair needed treatment having bravely broken up a United attack.
Mair was clearly struggling at this point, effectively leaving Hassocks down to eight. United took full advantage by scoring their third two minutes later on the counter.
Lottie Evershed led the break before squaring to Relf, who completed her brace. Mair needed further treatment after the goal but thankfully was able to see out the 90.
Still the Robins refused to give up, epitomised by a mazy 85th minute run from Bright at the end of which she could not quite get a shot away.
Hassocks got the goal they deserved when Spooner won possession and found Chappell, who gave Cruttwell no chance by firing into the corner.
With the deficit cut to two, the Robins went for it. Bright was inches away from converting a Mair pass and then Mair headed an excellent corner by Spooner onto the bar.
United were no doubt relieved to hear the final whistle. Hassocks meanwhile could be proud of their efforts in very difficult circumstances.
The manager’s Player of the Match deservedly went to Bright, who seemed to cover every blade of grass on the right both in defence and attack.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Tallie Bright, Katie Read, Claire Stevens, Ellie Moquet, Mandy Morgan, Kirstin Mair, Katherine Chappell, Emily Spooner.
Silver Rocket Brewing Star Player: Tallie Bright.
