Relentless Robins trap Bears for familiar victory over old foes
The past three seasons have seen Hassocks and Broadbridge Heath involved in intense battles for the Southern Combination Under 23 North Division title.
2021-22 saw the Bears crowned champions with Hassocks runners up. The roles were reversed in 2022-23 as the Robins picked up their first ever title before the trophy returned to the BodyMould Mattresses Stadium last season with Heath claiming top spot from Hassocks by just two points.
If the current campaign ends up going the same way, then this first meeting of the sides this season may well be looked back upon when the silverware is handed out in May as being pivotal to the championship race.
No wonder the Robins were very pleased with their evening’s work as they ran out 3-0 victors at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground.
Not only was this excellent three points for Hassocks, but it also set them up perfectly for next week’s Sussex Under 23 Cup semi final against Eastbourne Town.
That game now takes place at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon having been postponed twice with the Saffrons due to host.
Home advantage could be huge for the Robins, although the flip side of the coin being Hassocks came into this one having played just once in the past 10 weeks.
That single fixture came a fortnight ago when Horsham YMCA visited BN6. The Robins made light work of another opponent who have themselves featured in the championship picture.
Looking ahead to the big semi against Eastbourne Town, Hassocks kept changes to a minimum as they look to build some momentum.
Evan China dropped to the bench whilst Fletcher Fane missed out altogether. Oliver Goswamy and Dylan Hurst came into the side.
Hassocks were happy to have dual-signed Burgess Hill Town youngster Hurst available for his first Robins appearance for several months.
Also impressing was Dan Allen, a recent signing who joined the club following a spell at college in the United States. He is already proving a popular figure.
Will Mizon in goal meanwhile kept his second clean sheet from two appearances since Fraser Trigwell returned to first team duties.
Unsurprisingly, Hassocks’ two leading scorers so far this season were both in the goals. Kian Nandhra notched his 12th of the campaign whilst Under 18s captain Oscar Kemp moved onto double figures with his 10th.
The other Robins scorer was George Gladding as Hassocks moved four points clear of Heath in the standings and three clear of Horley Town, who were beaten 6-2 by YM at the Herbert Direct Stadium.
Hassocks: Will Mizon, Sam Fernley, Dan Allen, Leo Charman, Ben Hicks, Oliver Goswamy, Dylan Hurst, George Gladding, Noah McHale, Kian Nandhra, Oscar Kemp.
Subs: Evan China, Jack Duckett, Liam Deere, Alex Wintle (used).
