Robins return to action with big home victory over Villa
After four weeks without a game thanks to the dreadful February weather, Hassocks Under 18s returned to action with a home fixture against Montpelier Villa.
Despite the long layoff, the Robins showed no sign of rustiness as they eased to a 5-0 victory at the Beacon.
This was a seriously impressive result for several reasons. Whilst Hassocks came into the game having not kicked a competitive ball for a month, Villa had remained in action throughout the rain thanks to the 3G pitch at Culver Road – giving them an edge when it came to match sharpness.
The Robins were all-too aware of the talent the visitors have in their squad. Villa are one of only two teams to have taken Southern Combination League Under 18 Central Division points off Hassocks so far this season.
The sides previously drew 3-3 at Culver Road on Bonfire Night. Villa have maintained that form since and arrived in Mid Sussex sitting fourth in the table.
Yet for however tough this game appeared on paper, the Robins were ruthless. They took full advantage of a red card for Villa’s Rafferty Beacham to rack up a biggest league win since November.
Whilst every other game in the Central Division was postponed because of the weather coming into the weekend, the Beacon remained in excellent condition – even after the first team played on it less than 24 hours earlier when losing 4-0 to Steyning Town.
That allowed Hassocks to zip the ball around, playing some impressive football. The Robins made three changes from the side who had beaten AFC Varndeanians in their last outing at the end of January.
Evan China was promoted from the bench and there were returns for Oliver Goswamy and Ed Tobias. Leo Charman, Toby Munt and Will Hartley all dropped down as substitutes.
Cavan Chedzey continued his excellent season in front of goal with another brace, moving him onto 18 for the campaign so far. He was joined on the scoresheet by Oliver Goswamy and Josh Nandhra.
The fifth and final Hassocks goal came from substitute Freddy Searle, who now has three from four appearances off the bench for the Robins.
Having waited four weeks to return to action, the Robins now face two games in the space of three days.
Worthing United of the West Division visit the Beacon on Tuesday night in the third round of the League Cup, meaning a rare youth team game under the lights.
It is a good opportunity to come and watch the future of Hassocks with free admission and a 7:45pm kick off.
Hassocks: Theo Bradley, Charlie Fogden, Evan China, Ed Tobias, Sam Fernley, Kian Nandhra, Sam Dean, George Gladding, Oliver Goswamy, Josh Nandhra, Cavan Chedzey.
Subs: Will Varley, Will Hartley, Toby Munt, Freddy Searle, Leo Charman (used).
