Robins twice come from behind to book first big semi in County Cup for 21 years
The Sussex Bluefin Dennis Probee Youth Cup adventure goes on for Hassocks Under 18s with the Robins into the semi finals of the competition for just the second time ever.
They twice came from behind to defeat a strong Newhaven side 3-2 at the Beacon, making this their best run in the competition since 2002 when arguably the best youth side in Hassocks history lifted the trophy.
Standing between the Robins and Culver Road will be either Arundel or Whitehawk, who meet in their quarter final next Sunday.
The winners will then travel to the Beacon on Sunday 5th March in an 11am kick off. Admission to the game will be free and any support you can give the young Robins as they attempt to make a bit of history would be very much appreciated.
Newhaven are renowned for the strength of their Under 23s and Under 18s sides and so Hassocks knew they would have to be at their very best if they were to see off the challenge of their Southern Combination League East Division opponents.
The Dockers sit seventh of 10 teams in the table but that does not tell the full picture as they have only completed seven league matches so far, the lowest in the division by some distance.
If they were to win the five games they have in hand on leaders Bexhill United, then Newhaven would be three points clear at the top. There is every chance the Dockers could make a charge into the title picture over the next two months.
Hassocks made one change from their 1-1 Central Division draw at Worthing United, welcoming back second top goal scorer Will Varley in place of Max Ward.
The Robins remained without leading scorer Alex Brewer, whose absence in recent weeks has been felt with Hassocks winning one of their four matches since the turn of the year. That came against Worthing United in the previous round of this competition.
Hassocks had drawn their other three games, advancing on penalties past St Francis Rangers in round two and beating Selsey on spot kicks in the Southern Combination Under 18 League Cup.
There was no need for a tense and nervy shootout on this occasion, although it did look at times like penalties might be needed as both sides traded blows in a thoroughly entertaining cup tie which ebbed, flowed and could have gone either way.
Hassocks showed remarkable resilience in levelling the game twice. Oliver Goswamy claimed a brace with the other goal coming from George Gladding.
The Robins will warm up for their big semi with a local derby next Sunday against Central Division leaders Burgess Hill Town, who are unbeaten and have dropped just two points all season.
That game will take place at the Burgess Hill Academy – better known as Oakmeeds to most of us – with an 11am kick off.
Hassocks: Jack Thomas, Ben Foster, George Gladding, Ed Tobias, Sam Fernley, Oliver Goswamy, Alex Wintle, Toby Munt, Harry Goatcher, Will Varley, Oliver Parker-Williams.
Subs: Sam Dean (used).
