Unbeaten run goes but Robins can be proud of their efforts against Shoreham
Despite losing their unbeaten Sussex County Women’s League Premier Division record, Hassocks Ladies could be pleased with putting up an excellent performance in a hard-fought 1-0 defeat to second place Shoreham.
The Robins were without six regular players at the Beacon and those who stepped in did the club proud against resolute and talented opponents.
Hassocks started well when a through ball from Mia Pordage nearly played Jemma Lindfield in for a good chance of a debut goal. Shoreham responded and Ellie Moquet in the Robins goal had to be alert to save an attempted shot.
The visitors had a great chance to open the scoring with 10 minutes played but a shot was put wastefully wide from a good position.
Lindfield was already making a mark on proceedings, finding Jodie Johanson whose cross was met by Pordage with an effort narrowly over the bar.
Hassocks defender Holly Webb made an important interception and tackle before Lindfield had an effort well saved by the Shoreham goalkeeper.
The game continued in this even fashion for much of the first half. Jess Craig headed over a free kick from Emma Flin and Moquet made another impressive stop at the other end.
Flin was winning many aerial battles and had to head away a dangerous looking corner before Hassocks had another chance, Lindfield and Johanson working to tee up Pordage for a shot saved.
Shoreham took the lead in the 38th minute with a slick move finished off by Amber Hazelwood which gave Moquet no chance.
Hassocks had an instant chance to equalise when a precise pass by Pordage found Tallie Bright. She just managed to nick the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper, but unfortunately the strong wind took it out of play before she could reach it.
The second half continued to be a tight affair. Craig was denied and then Moquet kept out a shot on the turn. Pordage broke away and passed to Johanson whose shot was saved.
Moquet was involved again in the 58th minute, rushing out to gather a through ball. Shoreham then enjoyed their best spell with a free kick just over the bar and a shot deflected for a corner.
Hassock lost Holly Webb to injury in the 72nd minute with Jess Gray entering the action. Katie Read had to display impressive calmness when clearing a dangerous looking Shoreham cross.
Having weathered that storm, the Robins began to press for an equaliser. Substitute Gray showed some neat touches but Hassocks just couldn’t find a way through a resolute Shoreham defence.
With so many players unavailable, Hassocks should not have been downhearted come full time. Laura Turner and Maddie Cannon in midfield had skilful moments and Craig showed her usual top class skill and work rate.
Lindfield was impressive on her debut, the defenders restricted Shoreham to few chances and Flin was dominant in the air. Backup goalkeeper Moquet meanwhile showed calmness and shot stopping ability when she was needed.
Hassocks: Ellie Moquet, Laura Turner, Emma Flin, Holly Webb, Tallie Bright, Maddie Cannon, Jess Craig, Jemma Lindfield, Jodie Johanson, Mia Pordage, Katie Read.
Subs: Jessica Gray (Webb 66).
Bedlam Brewery Star Player: Joint award to Maddie Cannon and Jess Craig.
