Hassocks get back to winning ways taming third place hopefuls Tigers
It was a return to winning ways for Hassocks Under 18s as they bounced back from two games without victory by beating Saltdean United 3-0 at the Beacon.
This represented an excellent three points for the Robins against a Tigers outfit who look likely to finish the campaign in third place behind Hassocks and Burgess Hill Town.
Hill now seem certain to take the Southern Combination Under 18 Central Division title ahead of Hassocks, sitting two points behind the Robins but with three matches in hand.
They are yet to lose a league game so far this season, although there was understandable disappointment in the Robins camp over Lancing failing to raise a side to take them on at the same time as Saltdean visited Mid Sussex.
That meant Hill were awarded three points, rather than having to face opponents who took a point off Hassocks a fortnight ago. The race for first place might have been that much more interesting had Lancing done the same to Hill.
Especially with Hassocks and the Hillians to meet in a top-of-the-table clash at the Homecall Carpets Community Stadium next Sunday. Kick off is at 11am for anyone who can get along to Burgess Hill to watch.
The draw for Hassocks last time out against Lancing was preceded by a 2-0 League Cup exit to Worthing United. It was the first time this season the Robins had gone winless through two consecutive games.
Hassocks responded by making three changes from the team held at Culver Road by the Lancers. Theo Bradley returned in goal, Charlie Fogden was available again in defence and there was a full debut for Leo Charman following three substitute appearances.
George Lythgoe and Marko Gabric dropped out, whilst Toby Munt was suspended after being sent off against Lancing.
Having managed to avoid too much trouble and strife with referees this season, Hassocks seem to be on a bit of a run of cards – which are often hard to come by in youth football.
Fogden and substitute Will Hartley had their names taken by referee Barry Myers here. Malik Mudoma and Richard Brown also entered the book for Saltdean.
Cavan Chedzey continued his excellent scoring form by making it four goals from his past four Under 18s appearances.
He was joined on the scoresheet by Sam Fernley and Fogden. Unfortunately for Fogden, Dave John is unlikely to wave the £12 booking fine for scoring a goal. You have to ask these things though.
With one eye already on next season, the Robins introduced Kian Price from the bench for his second appearance of the campaign after impressing for the Juniors. Likewise, forward Freddy Searle was given further game time.
But you can be sure attention will be very much on the present next weekend for that trip to Burgess Hill.
Hassocks: Theo Bradley, Charlie Fogden, Evan China, Ed Tobias, Sam Fernley, Kian Nandhra, Sam Dean, George Gladding, George Drake, Leo Charman, Cavan Chedzey.
Subs: Josh Nandhra, Freddy Searle, Will Hartley, Kian Price (used)
