Top scorer Phil Johnson netted his 12th and 13th Hassocks goals of the season on Saturday before hailing the Robins character as they battled to a first league win in two months.
Johnson’s two goals along with what proved to be the winner in the 89th minute from young Jake Lindsey gave Hassocks all three points against Lingfield at the Beacon, securing a huge three points that lifted the Robins above Arundel and out of the bottom three.
Speaking after the game, Johnson said, “We’ve had a bad run recently so it’s good to get an important win under our belts.”
“”We showed great character throughout the game, especially to recover from the first equaliser and then go and win the game.”
“There’s a real buzz in the changing room now and we can’t all wait to get back on the pitch Tuesday night. We’ve been given a bit of an advantage maybe with AFC Uckfield Town asking to play the game at the Beacon so we need to take advantage of that and go again.”
Tuesday night’s tie had been due to take place at the Oaks but Uckfield asked if the game could be switched to the Beacon as they look to protect their home pitch for their weekend FA Vase third round game against Sutton Common Rovers.
It will give another chance for returning favourites Bradley Tighe and James Westlake to show what they can offer the home crowd, having both pulled on a Hassocks shirt for the first time this calendar year in the victory over Lingfield.
Johnson was impressed by both, saying, “The new boys that played were really good and made a real difference for us.”
“In the first half we played some of the best football we have all season and even through the second half in spells we were equally good.”
Spencer Slaughter meanwhile addressed the “handbags” he’d had with team mate Harry Mills after Hassocks’ attempts to play out from the back got them into a bit of trouble, the pair having to be separated by captain Jordan Badger.
“I don’t think there is anything wrong with that on the pitch,” Slaughter said. “I love Sheriff (Mills) and it shows the passion we both have for the club. To be fair as we faced up any anger had I went and I just wanted to kiss him because he’s a handsome man.”
