Robins end long wait for victory by deservedly beating Bognor
For the first time in many weeks, Hassocks Ladies were able to name a full-strength squad for their home game against Bognor Regis Town and this welcome change resulted in an excellent 3-2 win for the Robins.
Bognor started brightly with a couple of early openings. Hassocks goalkeeper Ellie Moquet had to be alert and quick out of her area to gather a through pass, followed by Claire Stevens using her pace to intercept and pass back to Moquet.
It was clear already that Bognor were going to try and hit long balls over the Robins defence. Stevens, Jo Brown and Tallie Bright however looked more than comfortable dealing with this tactic.
In contrast, the Robins tried to play football. A nice passing move allowed Lola Moon to embark on a run which needed three visiting defenders to crowd her out.
Hassocks took a seventh minute lead with their next attack. Milly Dalgleish passed to Jodie Johanson, whose cross into the box was calmly converted by Katherine Chappell.
The Robins joy down the flanks continued when Bright got into a dangerous position only to be closed down by a couple of Bognor players.
Moquet made the first of a series of excellent saves with a block from a one-on-one situation as the game started to ebb and flow.
Hassocks went up the other end, where a Mia Pordage through ball was a little too hard for Moon and Kirtsen Miar saw a shot blocked.
Bognor were proving very adept at hunting in defensive packs and again, three away players were on the scene to prevent another mazy run from Moon leading to anything.
There was nothing the away team could do though when Hassocks doubled their advantage on 21 minutes.
It was a role reversal from the opening goal as Chappell set up Johanson for a fierce shot from an acute angle into the top corner.
The Robins had all the momentum now and Pordage was becoming increasingly dominant in midfield. Another great Pordage pass gave Johanson the chance to deliver a cross well gathered by the goalkeeper.
A free kick almost provided a way back into the game for Bognor, only for Stevens to expertly read the danger and head clear.
Johanson next created two openings in quick succession. First she released Moon for a shot well dealt with by the Bognor goalkeeper. Then another pass gave Mair a sight of goal. Mair’s effort was just wide of the post.
The final five minutes of the first half saw a flurry of activity. Chappell nearly extended the lead with a shot on the turn well saved before Bognor unexpectedly struck to half the deficit.
Hassocks, however, were determined to go into the break with a two-goal advantage. Mair put a free kick just over the bar followed by another good move involving Johanson and Moon which ended with Pordage making it 3-1 from distance.
Bognor started the second half on the front foot, forcing a corner headed clear by Stevens. Bright and Brown both made timely interceptions and a Hassocks counter saw the Bognor goalkeeper save from Moon.
Moquet made a superb save when pushing a 56th minute header from a corner onto the bar. She then reacted quickest to grab the loose ball before a scramble could break out.
The Robins continued to look dangerous playing on the break. The hour mark saw Moon and Mair sweep forward through a series of passes, leading to the visiting goalkeeper saving again from Chappell.
Moon was replaced on 65 minutes having run selflessly up front with Mandy Morgan taking her place.
Bognor continued to press and further efforts were blocked by Stevens and Emma Flin. The second of those from Flin was particularly impressive as she continues to thrive in her new role as a defensive midfielder.
Hassocks could have made the game safe with 82 minutes played. A Johanson pass found Chappell in a great position, but she could only fire over.
Dalgleish produced some good defensive work before Moquet came to the fore with two vital saves in as many minutes.
The Robins goalkeeper kept out a one-on-one and then produced a magnificent stop to from a slightly contentiously awarded penalty.
Bognor did manage to reduced the deficit in the eighth minute of injury time when Stevens inadvertently turned the ball beyond Moquet when attempting to clear.
That made for a slightly nervy final few minutes but the Robins held on for three very welcome points earned by every Hassocks player performing well.
Dalgleish deserves praise for a solid outing on her full debut but the player of the match was unquestionably Moquet for several top class saves, including the penalty.
Hassocks: Ellie Moquet, Tallie Bright, Jo Brown, Claire Stevens, Milly Dalgleish, Mia Pordage, Kirstin Mair, Emma Flin, Jodie Johanson, Katherine Chappell, Lola Moon.
Subs: Jess Gray, Mandy Morgan (used).
