Victory over Vs gives Robins back-to-back wins for first time this season
For the first time this season, Hassocks Under 18s achieved back-to-back victories by beating AFC Varndeanians 3-1 at the Beacon.
The Robins faced a sterner examination than in last week’s 7-0 win away at Mile Oak. It was one though that they passed with flying colours, climbing to fifth in the Southern Combination League Central Division table in the process.
Varndeanians had finished bottom of the table last season but they showed signs of improvement towards the end of the campaign, including when beating Hassocks 2-1 at the Beacon in December.
The Vs have continued that into this season. They arrived at the Beacon having lost only once all season, an opening day reversal away at Lancing.
Hassocks inflicted defeat number two on Varndeanians via a combination of impressive football and hard work. If they can maintain those levels over the coming weeks, then there is no reason why they cannot make further inroads up the standings.
A number of the squad are taking confidence from involvement with the Under 23s. Harry Carter and Will Varley were both involved in last week’s 6-2 win at Horsham YMCA for the development side, which Varley then followed up by scoring twice against Oak when back on Under 18s duty 72 hours later.
The latest player to receive the call from Neil Parker was goalkeeper Jack Thomas for Thursday night’s game against Lingfield.
Thomas made his Under 23s debut in place of regular number one Callum Thompson after Thompson suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder in that win over YMCA.
It was a good experience for Thomas, who kept a clean sheet as Hassocks ran out 2-0 winners to keep the pressure on at the top of the North Division.
Back to matters against Varndeanians. Hassocks understandably kept changes to a minimum after racking up such a big score against Mile Oak the previous Sunday.
Oliver Parker-Williams was promoted from the bench after scoring his first goal of the campaign at the Recreation Ground.
Harry Goatcher joined him in the XI, making his first start for the Robins following his debut as a substitute against Oak. Varley and Oliver Steel were the two players who dropped out.
Top scorer Alex Brewer continued his hot streak in front of goal, grabbing his ninth of the season. All the while Brewer remains in such good form and Thomas and his defence can maintain the recent stubborn streak they have discovered, Hassocks will fancy their chances of winning matches.
Toby Munt scored his first goal for Hassocks with Ryan Goss adding the other. Goss is proving a useful option off the bench, this being his second goal from five sub appearances. Max Keegan claimed the consolation for Varndeanians.
Hassocks now head to Shoreham next Sunday looking to make it three wins in a row. Kick off is 11am at Middle Road.
Hassocks: Jack Thomas, Sam Dean, George Gladding, Ed Tobias, Sam Fernley, Alex Wintle, Harry Carter, Toby Munt, Harry Goatcher, Oliver Parker-Williams, Alex Brewer.
Subs: Ryan Goss, Oliver Goswamy, Ben Foster, Cam Mitchell (used).
