Professional performance gives Young Robins win at Varndeanians
Top met bottom in the Southern Combination League Under 18 Central Division at Withdean Stadium. And the game went to form, with leaders Hassocks Under 18s running out 4-1 winners over AFC Varndeanians.
The three points moved the Robins four clear of Burgess Hill Town at the head of the table, although having played three more games than a Hillians outfit yet to drop a point so far.
After having next week off due to the rescheduling of their League Cup third round clash with Lancing, Hassocks will travel to Hill next on Sunday 11th February.
It is game that looks certain to have a big say in the title race, with the Robins looking to avenge the close-fought 4-3 defeat Hill inflicted upon them at the Beacon back in September. That remains the Robins’ only loss of the Central Division campaign so far.
There was little chance of a second defeat of the season coming against Varndeanians thanks to Hassocks giving a thoroughly professional performance.
Varndeanians though deserve credit for pushing the Robins closer than most would have predicted based on their respective league positions.
You could certainly see why all four of the Vs points have come in their past six matches with improvement across the board.
Having stuck by-and-large with the same XI through their previous five consecutive victories, the Robins opted to shake things up at the Withdean.
Four changes were made from the side who had beaten Lancing 4-2 at the Beacon last Sunday, as Hassocks took to the pitch wearing the new yellow away kit sponsored by Tighe Scaffolding.
Number one goalkeeper Theo Bradley replaced George Lythgoe after two matches out. There was a full debut for Leo Charman, Will Hartley was promoted from the bench after scoring against the Lancers and Josh Nandhra returned after his recent exploits for the Robins and Whitehawk first teams.
It did not take Nandhra long to show why he has three goals in three Southern Combination Premier Division starts, form which has earned him a place in the Hawks’ Isthmian League Premier Division squad.
Nandhra provided two of the Robins goals against Varndeanians. Full back Charlie Fogden was also on target with Hartley making the most of his recall to continue his hot run of form with the other Hassocks goal.
Miller Brady scored the consolation for Varndeanians, denying the Robins a clean sheet.
Hassocks: Theo Bradley, Charlie Fogden, Toby Munt, Leo Charman, Sam Fernley, Kian Nandhra, Sam Dean, George Gladding, Will Hartley, Josh Nandhra, Cavan Chedzey.
Subs: Evan China, Freddy Searle, James Faulks, Marko Gabric, George Lythgoe (used).
