Robins see off leaders Shoreham to soar back into top spot
On a bright and sunny day, Hassocks Ladies returned to winning ways and the top of the Sussex County Women’s League Premier Division table.
A 3-1 win away at Shoreham enabled the Robins to leapfrog their hosts into first place, showing that there would be no hangover after their League Cup quarter final exit at the hands of Saltdean United Development Squad.
Shoreham started brightly and Hassocks skipper Claire Stevens had to block an early effort on goal as the home side set about showing why they headed the standings.
Next it needed a magnificent double save from Sarah Chappell to keep Shoreham out. Chappell first blocked an effort from a forward running through on goal before reacting brilliantly to tip the follow up shot around the post at full stretch.
The resulting corner looked like it might cause problems until Chappell came and and punched away with Holly Webb completing the clearance.
Hassocks gradually got into their stride after Shoreham’s good start and a flowing move involving Kirsten Mair and Webb was ended by a shot from Katherine Chappell needing to be saved by the home goalkeeper.
The Robins had the ball in the back of the net in the 12th minute, only for the assistant referee’s flag to go up as the through ball by Mair had found Chappell just in an offside position.
Hassocks had another chance soon after when Mia Pordage was thwarted by an excellent block by Shoreham’s number one.
The game continued to ebb and flow with another cool piece of defending required by Webb to shepherd the ball back to keeper Chappell.
Fellow defenders Emma Flin, Stevens and Brown all had to make telling interceptions as Shoreham looked dangerous on the break.
Hassocks manager Sean Perkins reacted by making a tactical switch in the 33rd minute, introducing Maddie Cannon into the action.
More good defending was needed from Brown and Stevens at the expense of a corner with Chappell again punching away another accurate deliver.
Just when it looked like the first half would end goalless, Hassocks opened the scoring in the fourth minute of time added on.
A Mair cross from the left found Chappell who calmly found the net to give the Robins the lead going into the break.
The second half started with keeper Chappell anticipating a through ball and gathering before the forward could reach it.
Hassocks responded and a Mair pass released Jodie Johanson whose dangerous looking cross almost found the onrushing forwards.
The Robins were now forcing the pace – especially Jess Craig, who was bossing the central midfield area with her control and passing range.
However, despite Hassocks’ control, Shoreham managed to find an equaliser in controversial circumstances. Stevens clearly had her shirt pulled, but this surprisingly not seen by the referee as Palisa Chipendo levelled the tie.
Although disappointed, Hassocks reasserted themselves and good play by Pordage and Tallie Bright presented Johanson with a chance volleyed just wide.
Substitute Shannon McFadden was introduced and immediately imposed herself in midfield. Hassocks retook the lead in the 69th minute when a corner by Mair was met by Stevens who forced the ball home from close range.
Shoreham looked dangerous with their direct tactic of through balls but defenders Flin, Stevens and Brown were coping well and managing to restrict Shoreham to few chances.
The Robins meanwhile knew a third goal would kill the game off. A Chappell shot was blocked and then a superb first time volleyed effort from outside the penalty area by Bright had to be foiled by a diving save.
Hassocks made the game safe with eight minutes remaining. Chappell’s cross found Mair who calmly beat the keeper to give the Robins a two-goal cushion.
Katie Read was brought on for the final few minutes to help see the match out and McFadden had a shot blocked with almost the last kick of the game to deny the Robins a fourth.
After the disappointment of the cup exit to Saltdean, the Hassocks players could all be proud of their performance against a very strong and skilful Shoreham side.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Claire Stevens, Jo Brown, Kirsten Mair, Emma Flin, Holly Webb, Tallie Bright, Jess Craig, Jodie Johnason, Mia Pordage, Katherine Chappell.
Subs: Maddie Cannon, Shannon McFadden, Katie Read (used),
Bedlam Brewery Star Player: Kirsten Mair.
