Six goal stinging by Hornets does not tell the whole story for Hassocks
A late switch of venue saw Hassocks Ladies final game of 2024 reversed from the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground to the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium.
And Horsham were ruthless in making the most of their unexpected home advantage, running out 6-0 winners to leapfrog the Robins and go second in the Sussex County Women’s League Premier Division.
The game was moved to the 3G pitch at the home of the Hornets in a guarantee to get it played. There was little chance the Beacon would withstand a third game in 24 hours having hosted the men’s 6-0 win over Lingfield the previous day and a morning clash between the Under 18s and Montpelier Villa.
Hassocks were keen to get some football under their belts and avoid a potential fixture pile up come the end of the season. The Robins have not played for three weeks owing to postponements.
There was little sign of any rust impacting Hassocks as they made a bright start. Katherine Chappell worked her way through a gap in the Horsham defence and shot just wide inside the opening two minutes.
That set the tone for what turned out to be a fast paced clash. Leigh Anne Bridgewater fired over from a corner for the Hornets, followed by Mia Pordage nearly rounding off a quick Robins break.
After an even opening, it was Horsham who broke the deadlock through a brilliant distance strike from Poppy Bishop.
The Hassocks response was almost instant. Hornets goalkeeper Ellie Chapman made a stunning save to deny Chappell.
It was one a series of unbelievable stops from Chapman, who ended the day being named as Horsham’s Player of the Match.
Not often you see a goalkeeper taking the accolade when their side has won 6-0, which is telling of why Hassocks could consider themselves unlucky to be on the end of such a heavy defeat.
Two quick-fire goals before half time from Grace Jeffrey and the impressive Izzy King saw the Hornets go into the break 3-0 ahead.
Hassocks though were by no means out of it when the teams emerged for the second 45. Chapman denied Kirstin Mair, was quick off the line to intercept a through ball before Chappell could get there and then saved from Mandy Morgan.
Abz Beadle made it four for Horsham on the counter, after which Robins frustrations began to boil over and when Jess Craig talked herself into 10 minutes in the sin bin, the hosts made a flurry of changes.
Introducing fresh legs to run at Hassocks whilst they were down to 10 proved an inspired move as two of the substitutes combined to make it 5-0, Bo Barker teeing up Bryony Irvine.
The Hornets completed the rout in the final five minutes when King made it onto the scoresheet for the second time.
Hassocks: Elsa Cutlack, Tallie Bright, Claire Stevens, Xanthe Ganpatsingh, Mia Pordage, Mel Sanchez, Jess Craig, Milly Dalgleish, Jodie Johanson, Kirsten Mair, Katherine Chappell.
Subs: Poppy Snelling, Lola Moon, Mandy Morgan (used).
