Hassocks secure first friendly win and in some style at Alfold Recreation Ground
It was seventh heaven for Hassocks in pre-season game number three away against Southern Combination League Division One hosts Alfold.
The Robins ran out 7-2 victors for their first friendly victory having lost and drawn against Isthmian League opposition Lancing and Whitehawk in their two previous outings.
For Alfold, it was their first outing under new manager Simon Funnell. Hassocks certainly appeared to have the edge on match sharpness with 180 minutes already under their belts.
The Robins also coped better with the somewhat challenging conditions posed by playing on the pitch behind the stand, as opposed to Fold’s normal surface at the Recreation Ground.
Things became particularly interesting when storm clouds gathered and darkness began to descend over a pitch with no floodlights.
Pleasingly for James Westlake, the Hassocks goals were shared amongst new signings and familiar faces. Big Alex Fair in particular delighted the crowd, managing to get in several of his trademark Cruyff Turns on his way to scoring twice.
Tall striker Jamie Wilkes made it two goals in two games having also notched in the 2-2 weekend draw at Whitehawk.
The other four goals came from players breaking their Hassocks ducks. Morgan Vale notched his first in Robins colours after signing from Tunbridge Wells and Oscar Kemp did likewise following his move from Haywards Heath Town.
Hassocks are hoping to tie up a loan deal for Burgess Hill Town youngster Joe Overy, who would be a very useful addition based on his goal scoring effort here. The other Robins goal getter was Harry Funnell.
Hassocks face another Southern Combination Division One side in their next friendly on Saturday, taking on Forest Row at Worth College in a 1pm kick off.
