Hassocks exit League Cup in feisty match against the Mavericks
Two games in less than 48 hours proved a bridge too far for Hassocks as they exited the Southern Combination Under 18 League Cup at the third round stage against Worthing United.
A rare youth game under the Tuesday night lights drew a big crowd to the Beacon, who were subsequently treated to a feisty affair won 2-0 by the Mavericks.
United showed why they are the favourites to win the West Division, having two games in hand whilst sitting six points behind leaders Worthing.
They are yet to lose in the league this season, with a record reading eight wins and two draws from eight matches and only eight goals conceded.
Hassocks could therefore not have asked for a much tougher draw than United. And whilst the Robins put a lot into beating Montpelier Villa 5-0 on Sunday morning to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points, the Mavericks appeared to have one eye on the League Cup as they rested players for their 1-1 weekend draw with Arundel.
Hassocks made only two changes from the side who had defeated Villa and both were enforced. Regular number one goalkeeper Theo Bradley was unavailable, meaning a start between the posts for George Lythgoe.
Josh Nandhra meanwhile was in Whitehawk’s first team squad for their Isthmian League Premier Division home game against Cray Wanderers. His place was taken by Harry Goatcher, making only his second start of the campaign.
United won the game through goals in either half by Daniel Kingston and Toby Tester. The first arrived midway through the opening 45 minutes with the second coming late in the day as Hassocks pushed forward looking for an equaliser.
In amongst some excellent football played by both sides were a number of heated challenges, resulting in three yellow cards for Mavericks Liam Appleton, Louis Green and goal scorer Tester.
The noise which greeted the full time whistle from the visiting contingent was indicative of what a big result they felt this was.
One United player even grabbed a scarf and began twirling it around his head, as if the Mavericks had just won the Champions League rather than a third round Southern Combination Under 18 League Cup tie.
That though just shows the magic and importance of this particular competition, which United will fancy their chances of winning with a trip to Little Common to come in the quarter finals.
There remains the prospect that Hassocks and the Mavericks could meet again this season, which based on this would be a game very much worth watching.
Should United lift the West Division title and Hassocks manage to overcome Burgess Hill Town in the race for the Central Division, then these two sides may face off in the end-of-season playoffs to decide the overall Under 18s champions.
Hassocks: George Lythgoe, Charlie Fogden, Evan China, Ed Tobias, Sam Fernley, Kian Nandhra, Sam Dean, George Gladding, Oliver Goswamy, Harry Goatcher, Cavan Chedzey.
Subs: Will Varley, Will Hartley, Leo Charman (used).
