Five star Robins run riot over Rangers for big derby day win
There could be no doubting who the top dog in Mid Sussex Under 23s football is after Hassocks dished out a 5-1 hammering to St Francis Rangers.
Five different players were on target for the Robins, providing the perfect platform ahead of next Thursday’s top of the table clash away at Horley Town.
Leo Charman was first to strike with a goal which was as brilliantly finished as it was set up. Rangers were unconvincing in clearing a long Hassocks throw, leaving the ball to fall to Sam Fernley on the edge of the fox.
Fernley dribbled around four Rangers players on a run out towards the right flank. He crossed into the danger zone where centre back Leo Charman had remained from the throw, perfectly positioned to produce an acrobatic volley. It was a finish any striker would be proud of, let alone a centre back.
The second Robins goal was not quite as exciting. Kian Nandhra fired in a low free kick which the visiting wall jumped over.
When the somewhat surprised Rangers goalkeeper was unable to hold the ball he was probably not expecting to come his way, George Gladding was on hand to tap in the rebound.
Two good saves and Evan China hitting the bar meant Hassocks were unable to add to the scoreline before the break.
That preceded a relentless start to the second half. The Robins created four good opportunities in eight minutes but were unable to take one.
Rangers duly made the most of the reprieves by halving the deficit on 53 minutes. Will Mizon was beaten in his attempts to gather a low cross and Krish Hathiramini reacted quickest to tuck the loose ball home.
Perhaps that was the wakeup call Hassocks needed. Their response was to put together a sweeping passing move finished when substitute Ethan Braiser found China, who swung a left footed effort into the top corner.
Mizon atoned for his earlier spillage with a fine one-on-one save as Rangers became more attacking heading past the hour mark.
Hassocks responded by upping the tempo and pressing the visitors relentlessly, directly leading to goal number four.
Fernley won possession in his own half and charged 70 yards up the pitch, leading a quick counter rounded off by Nandhra scoring against his former club.
A similar story unfolded for the fifth and final goal. Fernley again sped forward from right back, this time making it to the by-line.
No Rangers defender could cut out his low pull back across the face of goal, allowing Brasier to run in from the opposite flank and convert from close range.
Hassocks: Will Mizon, Sam Fernley, Dan Allen, Leo Charman, Ben Hicks, Noah McHale, Alex Wintle, Kian Nandhra, George Gladding, Evan China, Oscar Kemp.
Subs: Ethan Brasier, Liam Deere, Will Hartley, Luke Hendy, Marko Gabric (used).
