Hassocks head coach spoke to Steve Bone from the Mid Sussex Times about recent good form
Hassocks head coach James Westlake has hailed the defensive foundations which are underpinning his sides quest for a first top 10 finish in nine years.
The clean sheet recorded in their 2-0 win over Loxwood made it four shutouts in a row, something no Robins side has achieved for more than two decades.
Hassocks have won six of their past eight matches and although that has not translated to much movement up the Southern Combination League Premier Division from 10th spot, the Robins are now within five points of fourth with a game in hand.
“We are pleased with the progress we have made, certainly since the turn of the year,” said Westlake when asked to sum up his side’s excellent form.
“It was a frustrating December for us which saw results not quite go our way and a number of postponements.”
“Credit has to go to the players for the results and performances in what has been an extremely busy start to the year.”
“There is a real togetherness amongst the group, which we knew would help us to be successful this season.”
And what of Hassocks’ mean streak at the back? “Setting ourselves a foundation to keep clean sheets has been massive as we know we have the quality going forward to win us games of football.”
“The signing of James Shaw has been huge for the club and the squad. His ability to organise, communicate and take the pressure off the defensive unit has certainly coincided with our recent run of clean sheets and results.”
“This foundation and ability to keep clean sheets has allowed the likes of Phil Johnson, Liam Benson, Leon Turner and others to go and be expansive in other areas.”
Hassocks have nine Premier Division games left to play and remain in the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup.
There had been some doubt about whether the County FA would cancel that competition with only two rounds completed so far, but it now seems likely to continue. Hassocks host Steyning Town in round three.
Asked if finishing in the top six was the dream, Westlake refused to give anything away about what he and his players are aiming for over the final two months of the season.
“Our recent form has put us in a fantastic position. We have a tough end to the season but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
“As a group, we want to finish as high as we possibly can and will give the final nine games of the season a real go.”
Having made such an impression in his first campaign at the helm, Hassocks fans will rightly be excited about where their club is going under Westlake.
The head coach is not thinking about the summer or next year yet. “We want to make sure we have a really strong end to the season, see where we finish in the league and then we will start to have a think about next season. Momentum is key.”
