Nandha and China get Robins back in business after eight weeks off
It has been a long eight weeks since Hassocks Under 23s last took to the field in the Southern Combination Under 23 League Cup against Pagham back in November.
And you have to go back even longer for their most recent North Division outing, a 4-1 win over Storrington 10 weeks ago.
When the weather gods finally decided to play ball on a Thursday night, the Robins made the most of it by beating Horsham YMCA 2-0 at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground to move level on points with Horley Town at the top of the table.
Kian Nandhra and Evan China grabbed first half goals against opposition who Hassocks have enjoyed tight battles with in the past, often in matches which prove pivotal to the title race with both clubs usually in the championship picture.
This therefore was a big three points for the Robins. Although they almost made a nightmare start when a mistake at the back left the YM left winger in one-on-one.
Thankfully, Will Mizon bailed his side out by producing an excellent tip over the bar at full stretch from the YM player’s powerful shot.
Two far more routine saves followed by Mizon as Hassocks unsurprisingly looked rusty through the opening stages.
Eventually, the Robins began to warm to their task. Oscar Kemp saw a shot blocked on the line as Hassocks mustered their opening opportunity midway through the first half.
Sam Fernley was next to go close, the YM left back nipping in just ahead to turn a China cross whipped across the face of goal behind for a corner.
It was from said corner that the Robins took the lead in spectacular style via Nandhra. A YM defender headed the delivery into the air and towards the back post, where Nandhra was lurking to produce a stunning bicycle kick which gave the visiting goalkeeper no chance.
Hassocks doubled the lead with their next attack. China had too much pace for the YM defence as he sprinted clear from halfway to latch onto a Fletcher Fane knock.
China then glided past the goalkeeper before firing into the back of the net despite the angle being tight and one centre back doing remarkably well to get back and attempt a sliding block on the line.
The stroke of half time brought another China effort, this time from distance and well held by the YM number one.
A good save denied Kemp from 30 yards not long after the interval whilst a YM counter had to be hacked off the line for the Robins to main their two-goal advantage.
YM continued to come on strong in the final 20, most notably when Mizon made a fine one-handed reaction save from close range at his near post. Hassocks though held on.
Hassocks: Will Mizon, Sam Fernley, Dan Allen, Leo Charman, Ben Hicks, George Gladding, Noah McHale, Kian Nandhra, Oscar Kemp, Evan China, Fletcher Fane.
Subs: Jack Duckett, Luke Hendy, Liam Deere, Will Hartley, Alex Wintle (used).
