Strong second half showing sends Hassocks to win at Worthing Town
Whilst most football across Sussex was wiped out by Storm Bert, Hassocks Ladies were guaranteed to play as they faced Worthing Town on the 3G pitch at Palantine Park.
The rain stayed away but the wind was a nightmare, turning this into a game of two halves. Whoever defended better when up against the storm were going to be the winners.
And that ended up being Hassocks. The Robins did the hard work in the first half to make to the break level at 1-1.
That was followed by a clinical display in the second 45 minutes featuring three goals working with the wind to run out 4-1 winners.
Mark Dalgleish had a strong squad to pick from and made only one change to the starting XI from last Sunday’s 4-0 win away at Horsham Sparrows. Anya Taylor came in for a full debut in place of the absent Alexandra Pedersen.
Town won the Sussex County Women’s League Division One title last season and have made a decent start to life in the Premier, coming into the game sixth in the table.
They had though suffered a chastening 19-0 defeat to league leaders Eastbourne Borough two weeks ago, a result which could have done serious damage to confidence and belief.
Town needed just eight minutes though to prove that was not the case as Dulcie Elder gave the hosts the lead after good work from Kayleigh Edwards to set up the opportunity.
Going behind so early showed what a difficult task the Robins were up kicking against the wind. Hassocks though were resolute at the back and managed to get through the remaining 37 minutes of the first period without conceding again.
Town had chances but were unable to take them. To turn around only trailing by one would have represented a good half for Hassocks.
So you can imagine how pleased they were when an equaliser arrived just before the break to give the Robins parity.
Hassocks now had to set about being more ruthless with the wind than Town had. They duly managed that, securing an impressive victory which consolidated second place in the standings by moving the Robins three points clear of Pagham in third.
Katherine Chappell provided two of the Hassocks goals, moving onto eight in seven appearances in the process. Jodie Johanson and Milly Dalgleish were also on target.
The Robins face their own stern test against Eastbourne Borough next Sunday. The game is currently listed as taking place away from home on the league website but is actually a 2pm kick at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground.
Hassocks: Elsa Cultlack, Tallie Bright, Claire Stevens, Katie Read, Mia Pordage, Anya Taylor, Sophie Harding, Milly Dalgleish, Jodie Johanson, Kirsten Mair, Katherine Chappell.
Subs: Poppy Snelling, Lilly Lopez, Xanthe Ganpatsingh (used).
