Seven in a row away proves a flight too far for Robins in defeat to Down
Consecutive away game number seven proved a flight too far for Hassocks as they were downed 3-0 at Crawley Down Gatwick.
The impressive Anvils were good value for their victory against a Robins outfit delivering their most under par Premier Division performance of the season.
Not that anybody could begrudge Hassocks an off day. Eight weeks ago when the Robins set off on this run of seven away matches, even the most optimistic of Hassocks fans would never have dreamed of it returning 15 points from a possible 18 and a place in the Peter Bentley League Cup semi finals.
Just as they have been doing all season, James Westlake and his players exceeded expectations. Their next test comes in how they respond to a biggest defeat of the campaign and failing to score in a league fixture for the first time.
There was plenty of backing for the Robins at the Haven, with one club official estimating almost half of the crowd was made up of away support.
It was the Down contingent though who were given plenty to cheer early on as they scored twice in the opening 30 minutes.
Goal one saw Lewis Gould skip past ex-Anvil Harvey Blake on a blistering run from halfway to the by-line before crossing to the back post.
Midfielder Jack Ryder arrived and was left with the simple task of heading home unmarked after no Hassocks defender nor goalkeeper Fraser Trigwell were able to clear.
Down could have added two more before they did eventually double their lead. Trigwell spilt a 19th minute cross but redeemed himself by making a great save with his legs from the resulting Lewis Gates volley.
The Robins number one then used his legs again to deny Gould two minutes prior to Down adding goal two on the half hour mark through Oli Leslie.
Trigwell skewed his attempted clearance from a back pass straight to the Anvils stalwart. A regular scorer against the Robins through the years, Leslie needed no second invitation to coolly lob the ball into the now unguarded net.
Hassocks responded by enjoying their best spell of the game in the final 10 minutes of the half, fashioning three chances in quick succession.
Unsurprisingly given the Robin had barely strung together more than two passes through midfield up to that point, all came from wide positions.
Blake sent Harry Furnell scampering away down the right flank for a cross volleyed wide by Charlie Pitcher.
Next it was Pitcher’s turn at supplying. His teasing ball in from the right was met by a downward header into the ground from tall striker Jamie Wilkes.
The high bounce initially looked like it would defy Alex Bellingham, only for the Anvils goalkeeper to somehow react and claw the ball out of the top corner.
Ryder was then fortunate not to add an own goal to his eighth minute opener. A long throw from Dan Turner failed to cause its usual level of chaos and confusion.
Turner though did get a second bite of the cherry. Josh Mundy returned a pass to the centre back still stationed on the left flank.
His whipped ball was glanced just inches wide of the post by Ryder as the home number eight attempted to head clear.
Westlake responded to Hassocks being unable to get their foot on the ball by replacing both Mundy and Harvey Enticknap in midfield at the break.
Darren Budd and Shay Leahy helped the Robins have more possession. But other than an 87th minute Jack Troak header from a Tuner cross saved and held, Hassocks never really threatened Bellingham.
That was largely down to the brilliance of Anvils centre back pairing Tito Salam and Liam Holden, who ensured Down were comfortable sitting back despite the Robins being by far and away the Premier Division’s top scorers.
If anything, it was Down who looked more likely to score playing on the counter as the game progressed. Trigwell saved from substitute Sam Schaff and raging Joe Bull cleared a Leslie effort off the line.
The third and final goal arrived deep in stoppage time when Gould ended a break by rounding Trigwell and firing home.
Hassocks: Fraser Trigwell; Harvey Blake, Bradley Tighe, Dan Turner, Joe Bull; Harry Furnell, Josh Mundy, Harvey Enticknap, Jack Troak; Jamie Wilkes; Charlie Pitcher.
Subs: Darren Budd, Shay Leahy, Ruari Farrell, Morgan Vale, Will Berry (all used).
Starman: Joe Bull.
