Robins sink Pirates for two from two for first time in eight years
For just the second time since the 1996-97 season, Hassocks have won their opening two matches of a Southern Combination Premier Division campaign.
Hot on the heels of Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Saltdean United came this 2-1 success over Bexhill United under the lights at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground.
Ryan Light is back in charge of Bexhill after a year away and his new-look Pirates side caused the Robins their fair share of problems – beginning as early as the fifth minute.
Ollie Hull swung over a corner which caught Hassocks cold. The ball hit the unmarked Tyler Capon by luck more than judgement and Bexhill captain Richie Welch reacted quickest to turn in from close range.
Not the start the Robins had in mind. But perhaps a useful warning that this would not be plain sailing as the Pirates under the returning Light are a different proposition to the team Hassocks beat 5-0 back in April.
Early days it may be, but the Robins look stronger than last season too. They certainly have greater squad depth, highlighted by James Westlake making six changes from his weekend starting XI.
Dylan Hurst and Jamie Wilkes were two of the players who came in and both went close to levelling not long after Welch’s opener.
Hurst put an effort from outside the box a little too close to Pirates goalkeeper Alex Hobden. Wilkes then side footed wide from a Jack Troak pass.
Westlake also gave a full debut to Mid Sussex League goal machine Ruari Farrell in place of Morgan Vale.
Farrell almost opened his account when winning a header to tee himself up for an attempted lob with Hobden all at sea, stranded off his line. It dropped agonisingly onto the roof of the net.
The new acquisition from Lindfield would go onto be involved in both the Hassocks goals, starting with the equaliser on the stroke of half time.
Tall striker Wilkes and Harry Furnell combined to feed Farrell. The forward opened up his body, turned into space and fed an inviting through ball straight into the path of Troak. Two touches later and Troak fired in the hole between Hobden’s legs to make it 1-1.
The Pirates could have batten down the hatches going into the second half in an attempt to head back to Bexhill with a point.
But to their credit, they went on the attack. Tyler Capon cut in from port side and went around three Hassocks defenders before his effort was blocked by the flying Bradley Tighe.
Aaron Cook smashed the rebound first time to draw a good reaction save from Fraser Trigwell, after which it was all hands on deck as the Robins eventually scrambled the ball clear.
Hassocks began to push more as the game wore on. With the Pirates looking dangerous on the counter, it made for a thrilling final 30 minutes.
Troak smashed the bar after a pass from Harvey Blake shot across the bow. Cook then pillaged the rangy Wilkes of possession on halfway to send Aaron Capon racing clear.
He almost made Hassocks walk the plank, getting one-on-one with Trigwell only to see his effort shave the outside of the post.
Next, Troak drew a stunning save from Hobden with a volley on the turn requiring the Bexhill number one to claw it out the top corner at full stretch.
It was from the resulting corner that Hassocks found the 65th minute winner which ultimately sent the Pirates down to Davy’ Jones locker. Overy looped a delivery high into the box, met by the head of Farrell for his first goal in senior football.
Bexhill initially refused to be sunk by that moment. They enjoyed a good spell of possession in response without every really threatening Trigwell.
Hassocks were now the ones dropping anchor and playing on the break – and it nearly led to the Robins adding a third.
Overy slipped Farrell in for a low effort repelled by the legs of Hobden. Dale Penn just managed to clear the loose ball before Wilkes could pounce, followed by Blake screwing harmlessly wide.
The last chance of the game came to debutant substitute Will Berry. Wilkes led a counter and his pull back found the experienced summer signing from Lancing with a reputation for spectacular goals. On this occasion though, Berry was just wide with a low drive fizzed in from 25 yards.
Hassocks: Fraser Trigwell; Harvey Blake, Bradley Tighe, Liam Hendy, Joe Bull; Joe Overy, Dylan Hurst, Jamie Wilkes, Jack Troak; Harry Furnell; Ruari Farrell.
Subs: Will Berry, Morgan Vale, Alex Fair (used).
Starman: Jack Troak.
