Hassocks forwards too hot for Shoreham to handle at sweltering Beacon
The weather was hot and so too the form of Hassocks’ forwards. For the second pre-season friendly in succession, the Robins hit four goals past Southern Combination League Division One opponents as Shoreham were beaten 4-2 at the Beacon.
Hassocks had originally been due to travel to Horley Town, only for the Clarets to pull out earlier in the week. The Robins were therefore grateful to Shoreham – now managed by former Hassocks favourite Michael Death – for filling the void.
The Musselmen were beaten playoff finalists in Division One last season, so Hassocks knew they would be in for a decent test.
It was one they passed with flying colours, going into the break 3-0 ahead. It was 4-0 on the 60 minute mark to complete a ruthless hour of football, after which a combination of the 28 degree heat and numerous Hassocks changes helped Shoreham pull two back.
The opening exchanges were fairly even. Shoreham actually had the better half-chances and looked dangerous until Hassocks took the lead on 23 minutes, after which the Robins settled and began to dominate.
Lewis Westlake sent in a dangerous set piece which was headed against the bar. The rebound was pounced upon by Ryan Doyle, whose shot into the ground inadvertently hit Pat Harding and bounced into the net.
Jack Troak added the second on 39 minutes. Great build up play down the right led to a switch to Harding pulling off at the back post.
He cleverly set the ball into the path of Troak, who curled an effort towards goal from the edge of the box. The Shoreham goalkeeper did well to tip the shot on the bar, only for it to bounce down and be adjudged by the assistant referee to have crossed the line.
Shoreham may have felt hard done by, but the football played by Hassocks in the move was more than deserving of a goal.
A third arrived shortly after. Some patient, neat play on the edge of the box eventually worked an opening for Phil Johnson to burst into the area.
Johnson touched the ball past a defender and then beat the goalkeeper to it, only to be brought down by the visiting custodian.
A fair number of players in James Westlake’s new-look squad would have fancied taking the resulting penalty.
Troak took control of the situation having successfully converted a number of spot kicks towards the end of last season, confidently despatching low and hard into the bottom left corner.
The second half started much as the first had ended with Hassocks in control and on the hour mark, they made it 4-0.
Half time substitute Sam Smith produced a clever touch around the corner to put Johnson in one-on-one. Johnson made no mistake, sliding the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper.
The game understandably slowed down somewhat after that. Hassocks took their foot off the pedal, something which Shoreham managed to take advantage of by making the final score look a little closer.
A set piece undid the Robins first. A good delivery was met perfectly by the head of Tom Shelley, who guided past Alex Harris.
Shoreham’s second came right at the end. Hassocks were unable to clear during an almighty scramble in the box with A Trialist eventually poking the loose ball home.
Westlake described it as “a great workout” afterwards ahead of Tuesday night’s Ann John Trophy meeting with Burgess Hill Town. Kick off is 7:45pm at the Beacon with all money raised on the night going to St Peter & St James’ Hospice.
