Robins bow out of League Trophy with battling showing at Vila
Hassocks Ladies began 2023 with yet another match in which several players were unavailable as they exited the London & South East Regional Women’s League Trophy at the second round stage.
Once again though, the Robins put up a creditable fight against a very good Montpelier Villa side, even in going down 3-0 at Culver Road.
Villa started on the front foot and Hassocks defenders Emma Flin and Jo Brown were forced into early clearances.
Skipper Claire Stevens then needed to be alert in reacting to a through ball before it became a goal scoring opportunity and Tallie Bright blocked an effort on goal, all inside the opening five minutes.
Having weathered the storm, Hassocks created their first opening on eight minutes. Katherine Chappell made a good interception in midfield and exchanged passes nicely with Mandy Morgan but unfortunately, the move fizzled out.
The Robins had a lucky escape next when Villa nicked possession from a short goal kick. Thankfully, the attempted shot went over the bar.
Relief was short-lived, however, as the hosts took a 12th minute lead which they probably deserved for that domineering start.
Lola Moon spent most of the game somewhat isolated up front but she still managed to almost work an opening immediately after Villa scored, only to be crowded out by several defenders.
The 18th minute brought a fine save from the Villa goalkeeper as Hassocks almost equalised against the run of play when Chappell met a Kirstin Mair cross with a firm header.
With regular number one Sarah Chappell and her deputy Ellie Moquet both unavailable, defender Katie Read was pressed into playing in goal for the Robins.
Read made a fantastic double save on 22 minutes, first pushing a goal bound shot onto the post and then recovering to save the follow up.
Another Villa effort crashed against the post before the led was double with 28 minutes on the clock through an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
The Robins did not let their heads drop. They forced the Villa goalkeeper into a second excellent stop of the afternoon from Chappell following a run and cross by Jodie Johanson.
Read was called into action again just before half time, making herself big to block a one-on-one. Further interventions from Brown and Bright in making last ditch tackles kept the score to 2-0 going into the break.
Hassocks made a half time change with Emily Spooner replacing Jess Gray, who had worked tirelessly in midfield.
The Robins started well. Morgan saw a shot saved and Chappell embarked on a mazy run before being closed down by two home defenders.
Villa went close with two more efforts, both blocked by Stevens. The hosts then rattled the woodwork for the third time, a shot from distance hitting the top of the crossbar and bouncing over. Two more superb one-on-one saves were needed from Read as Villa started to get on top.
Hassocks opted to change things further in an attempt to regain a foothold. Defender Emma Flin was ushed into midfield and Gray then returned to the action for Morgan on 69 minutes.
Morgan was not off for long, coming back on shortly after when Chappell needed treatment for an injury.
Villa continued to press and Stevens made another important clearance, followed by Read again frustrating the home side.
Hassocks enjoyed a rare attack as the game entered the final 10 minutes, Bright driving forward on a powerful run ended with a shot saved by the goalkeeper.
With the 90 minutes almost up and the second half looking like it would finish goalless, the Robins were dealt a blow when Villa found a third to add a little gloss to the final score.
Given the reduced squad, the Hassocks players who were available can be pleased with their efforts. Villa proved just a little too strong and deserved their place in the third round of the competition, where they will now travel to Hackney.
A special mention must be made to stand-in goalkeeper Read. Undertaking a pretty thankless task, Reed pulled off several top class saves and could do nothing about any of the goals conceded.
Hassocks: Katie Read, Tallie Bright, Emma Flin, Claire Stevens, Jo Brown, Mandy Morgan, Kirstin Mair, Jess Gray, Jodie Johanson, Katherine Chappell, Lola Moon.
Subs: Emily Spooner (used).
Silver Rocket Brewing Star Player: Katie Read.
