Missed chances cost Young Robins dear in draw with Villa
Missed chances cost Hassocks Under 18s dear as they were forced to settle for a frustrating 3-3 draw away at Montpelier Villa.
The 3G pitch at Culver Road meant this was the only Southern Combination League Under 18 Central Division fixture of the morning to go ahead after the ridiculous rainfall of the past 48 hours.
On another day, Hassocks could have racked up six or seven. The Robins have been pretty clinical so far this season, plundering 28 goals from eight matches.
Maybe it was rustiness having not played for three weeks since beating AFC Varndeanians 4-1 at the Beacon.
Hassocks had no fixture scheduled for October 22nd and then saw last week’s home game – which had also been due to be against Villa – postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Or maybe it was just an off day. Whatever the reason, to have created so many opportunities against opponents who have only lost two league matches so far was at least pleasing.
The Robins had not faced Villa at Under 18s level since the 2021-22 season, but based on those experiences they should have expected a tough game.
Villa always have talented youth teams, as proven by them being Central Division champions that year. They went the entire campaign unbeaten, including seeing off Hassocks 4-2 at the Beacon and 2-1 at Culver Road.
Hassocks made three changes from the starting XI who had convincingly seen off Varndeanians in that last fixture.
Alex Brewer was back to lead the line and Evan China came into the side having been a used substitute against the Vs.
There was also a full debut for Ben Murray, who marked the occasion in wonderful style by picking up a yellow card.
Cavan Chedzey and William Hartley both had to settle for places on the bench with the other change seeing Oliver Goswamy miss out altogether.
Chedzey did at least net when he came on, his fifth goal of the season moving him into third place in the Robins scoring charts after Brewer and Josh Nandhra.
The other Nandhra, Kian, was also on target for Hassocks along with Sam Fernley. For Villa, Theo Messent-Lilly, George Hendriks and Ellis Gosling provided the goals.
Hassocks will be hoping to return to winning weeks next week when they face St Francis Rangers in a Mid Sussex Derby at Colwell Road.
Rangers won the Central Division title last season but find themselves struggling this time around, sitting bottom of the pile without a victory so far.
Kick off is 11am at the Hospital and as always, any support you can give the Young Robins will be greatly appreciated.
Hassocks: Theo Bradley, Charlie Fogden, Toby Munt, Evan China, Sam Fernley, Kian Nandhra, Sam Dean, George Gladding, Josh Nandhra, Ben Murray, Alex Brewer.
Subs: Cavan Chedzey, Will Hartley (used).
