ROBINS BOUNCE BACK BY BEATING BARROWMEN
After the disappointment of their first league defeat in over a year, Hassocks Under 18s show great character to bounce back with a 2-1 victory away at Steyning Town.
The Robins 5-3 Mid Sussex Derby loss at Haywards Heath Town the previous Sunday saw them surrender their 392-day, 30-game undefeated streak and they were faced with another tough task at the Shooting Field, coming up against a Steyning side who had finished runners up to Hassocks in the Central Division last season.
They’d also given Brad Sweetman’s side a real run for their money a month ago when the teams met at the Beacon in the first round of the Southern Combination League Under 18 Cup, Hassocks eventually squeezing through 4-2 to get their defence of the trophy up and running.
This was a pleasing reaction then for the Robins, suggesting their will be no hangover from losing that record-breaking run as they aim to keep pace with Heath at the top of the table.
Sweetman made two changes from the defeat at Hanbury Park. Ross Pedley replaced Alex Moulvogny and Henry Le-May came in for nine-goal second top scorer Yahya Azizi.
Hassocks didn’t make the best start to the game as they fell behind inside of 15 minutes to a goal from Harvey Gallis.
Steyning were ahead for just five minutes before an unfortunate own goal levelled things up. Players putting through their own net against the Robins seems to be in fashion at the minute; the under 23s have had their opposition score for them in their last two victories against Lancing and Mile Oak as well.
Things were pretty even from that point on and both sides had chances to win it. It was Hassocks who took the three points though through Moulvogny who scored in the 77th minute after being introduced from the bench.
The Robins are without a game this week due to Bosham’s withdrawal from the league handing them a bye to the third round in the Sussex Bluefin Dennis Probee Youth Cup.
Their next league game takes place on Sunday 10th November away at Broadbridge Heath with an 11am start at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre.
Hassocks: Toby Fisher, Harvey Ransome, Josh Sandilands, Ross Pedley, Jack Gardner, Jack Baden, Alfie Loveridge, Jordan Fowler, Henry Le-May, George Mercer, Tristan Hayes.
Subs: Yahya Azizi, Alex Moulvogny, Brandon Sheppard (used).
