Robins back in action after five weeks off with derby day win
With the rain having finally relented, Hassocks Under 23s were able to take to the field for the first time in five weeks against St Francis Rangers at the Beacon.
It proved a good evening for the Robins as they ran out 4-1 victors to move two points clear at the top of the Southern Combination League Under 23 North Division standings.
A fascinating four-way battle for the title is now starting to emerge, although the championship may well be decided by who deals best with an end of season fixture pile up caused by so many postponements over the autumn and winter.
Whilst Hassocks will be hoping to defend their crown, previous champions Broadbridge Heath remain unbeaten in the league with Horsham YMCA and Lingfield also in the race.
The Robins already seem likely to be playing into May with their victory against Rangers just the third competitive fixture they have completed since the end of November.
One of those three games saw Hassocks defeat Hailsham Town in the League Cup, meaning only two league games played in over three months.
There were four changes to the Hassocks side from that most recent outing when Redhill were beaten 6-1 at the Beacon back in January.
New signing James Emery took over in goal from Jack Thomas, missing for only the second time this season.
Following the serious knee injury picked up by Alex Bygraves in the first team’s 2-1 win at Peacehaven & Telscombe last month, Dan Turner has made himself a regular at the heart of the defence.
Turner was even named February Player of the Month for his performances since breaking into the side. He is therefore unlikely to feature for the Under 23s again as a result. The other two changes from the Redhill game saw teenage duo Sam Fernley and Alex Wintle miss out.
Coming into the side along with Emery were Charlie Fogden, Nathan Miles and Josh Mundy, who got some important minutes under his belt following suspension for a red card picked up in the first team’s 2-1 win over Little Common.
Turner provided the late Hassocks winner that evening with a finish of quick feet more associated with a fast forward.
Mundy made the most of his rare outing for the Under 23s by providing one of the goals. He was joined on the scoresheet by Julian Durand, Billy Dove and an own goal from Rangers completing the rout. St Francis’ consolation came via Kai Stephens with 52 minutes on the clock.
Hassocks welcomed back Jack Smith from the bench and were also able to give a debut to Ryan Martin as a second half substitute.
The Robins are due back in action next Thursday away at Roffey, although if you have been brave enough to look at the weather forecast you will know it seems like the return to action could be very short lived.
Hassocks: James Emery, Tom Frankland, Charlie Fogden, Billy Dove, Ben Hicks, Tom Frankland, Noah McHale, Alfie Loversidge, Julian Durand, Cavan Chedzey, Nathan Miles.
Subs: Jack Smith, Ed Tobias, Ryan Martin, Evan China (used).
