Battle with Hastings sends Robins to close-fought defeat
Despite a valiant effort and one of their best performances for many weeks, Hassocks Ladies were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Hastings United at the Beacon.
The afternoon did not get off to the best of starts when defender Katie Read was injured after only two minutes whilst making a strong interception.
Ellie Moquet had barely sat down on the bench when she was summoned to the action, making a fast start with an excellent tackle to deny a Hastings forward a clear run at goal.
The game ebbed and flowed after that. Katherine Chappell had a shot saved by Rosie Muggeridge in the United goal and Sarah Chappell was quick off her line for Hassocks to anticipate and clear a through ball.
Kirstin Mair next released Tallie Bright with a perfect forward pass, only for an impressive last ditch tackle to prevent the Robins winger getting a shot away.
Up the other end and Chappell made an important save from a one-on-one which looked certain to end in a Hastings goal.
Jo Brown then played in Bright but she was again denied by a perfectly timed and important tackle by another United defender.
The entertainment kept coming. Mandy Morgan cleared for Hassocks and Chappell made another good save.
Bright was looking very dangerous, especially linking up with Mair. The duo combined again to get Bright away, whose shot from a narrow angle crashed into side netting.
Jess Gray then showed skill and excellent ball control, weaving past four United players who were unable to get the ball from her.
The half hour mark saw Chappell push a Hastings shot around the post for a corner which skipper Claire Stevens headed clear.
A minute later and United missed a good chance to take the lead, messing up a two-on-one situation. Emma Flin started to grow in importance after that for Hassocks, looking comfortable in an unaccustomed midfield role.
Her purpose there was to help the Robins try and win more of the ball, which she did with an excellent tackle midway into the Hassocks half.
Gray was not far away with a shot from distance as half time approached before Hastings took the lead with a goal featuring a touch of fortune.
Emily Cartwright appeared to be attempting to cross when the ball looped over Chappell to find the tiniest of gaps between bar and post.
That was indicative of the sort of bad luck the Robins have suffered this season. The theme continued after the break, Chappell earning a free kick within two minutes of the restart.
Mair struck one of the sweetest efforts you will see, lifted over the wall and dipping down with Muggeridge just watching on. Unfortunately, the free kick crashed into the bar rather than giving Hassocks the goal they deserved.
United knew that was a let off and so redoubled their efforts in attack. Moquet and Brown combined to thwart one attack and Stevens was now having to frequently use her pace to cut out a number of through balls.
The pressure eventually told when Hastings moved 2-0 ahead on 64 minutes. Chappell made a save from Rebecca Relf, only for the rebound to fall straight to substitute Jess Wright who applied the finish.
Hassocks did not give up, introducing young Milly Dalgleish from the bench. With her debut, Dalgleish became the first player to turn out for a juniors side and the seniors in the same season in what the Robins will hope is the start of a regular pathway from youth to first team football.
Stevens made another important interception at the back and a Gray through ball had a little too much power on it before the substitution bore fruit as Dalgleish soon made her mark.
A dangerous looking Dalgleish cross was blocked behind for a corner. Mair produced another fine set piece deliver and Chappell rose to head home.
Hassocks now had 10 minutes to find an equaliser. As the Robins poured forward, so Hastings settled into playing on the counter.
Stevens had to do more good covering, reading the game well to snuff out an attack and send a pass back to Chappell.
The Robins’ best chance at completing the comeback came from a corner which they could not force in as United held on for victory.
Hassocks’ manager’s player of the match was Gray, whose skill and control under pressure caught the eye.
Mia Pordage battled well in midfield, instigating several Hassocks attacks and of course Dalgleish deserves a mention for looking very lively in her time on the pitch.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Tallie Bright, Jo Brown, Claire Stevens, Katie Read, Mia Pordage, Kirstin Mair, Emma Flin, Mandy Morgan, Katherine Chappell, Jess Gray.
Subs: Ellie Moquet, Milly Dalgleish (used).
