ROBINS BACK ON TRACK WITH VASE VICTORY AT UNITED TO SET UP ASH CLASH
After two successive defeats, Hassocks got back on track with an excellent and thoroughly deserved 4-2 win at Eastbourne United Association in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase.
The victory sets up a first round proper clash with old adversaries Ash United at the Beacon. Hassocks and Ash United seem to be drawn together in one of the national cup competitions every few seasons in games which are always close-fought and fiercely competitive.
With Ash enjoying a fine season in the Combined Counties League, they will once again prove tough but intriguing opponents for the Robins on Saturday 6th October.
Hassocks have been guilty of starting matches slowly this season but they were on their game from the start here and took the lead inside of three minutes.
Joel Harding went long, Phil Gault flicked on and Matt Amos was able to prod home for his sixth of the season.
Matt Robbins doubled the lead on 15 minutes. Good work from Mickey Turner and Gault resulted in Robbins receiving possession with his back to goal.
The midfielder produced an excellent turn and a neat finish into the corner which gave United goalkeeper Sam Reed no chance. It could have been three a minute later but Gault could only fire over with the United defence all at sea.
Next came a fine passing move involving Gault, Anthony Hibbert and Turner which teed up Robbins. He though blazed high, wide and handsome when well placed.
United are a dangerous side going forward but they were unable to get much change out of the Robins backline through the first half.
This represented a return to form for Stuart Faith, Ashley Marsh and Pete Lear after underperformances from the back three proved costly against both Hailsham Town and Worthing United.
Harding was only called into action when saving a long distance Mark Warren effort which was speculative rather than being a genuine chance of pulling one back for United.
Hassocks could have been pretty much out of sight going into half time had a Hibbert thunderbolt not ricocheted off the underside of the bar minutes just before the break.
United opted for a change of approach going into the second 45 minutes, bringing on giant forward Drew Greenall.
His physical presence caused Hassocks problems in an opening 15 minute period dominated by the hosts.
The Robins saw their lead halved on 54 by Warren. United were patient in their build up, waiting for the right moment to get Sam Crabb into a crossing position. When Crabb was finally able to deliver, Warren headed home powerfully to give Harding no chance.
Now very much on top, United saw Warren and Greenall both go close as Hassocks struggled to gain the upper hand.
Momentum shifted back in favour of the visitors with 64 minutes on the clock, however courtesy of Amos. The teenager got in behind United’s centre back pairing of Reece Head and Joe Haffenden, beating Reed with a crisp volley from 18 yards.
it was Amos’ last contribution of the night and perhaps for several months. He departed with a back injury which will leave his participation in Tuesday night’s game at Three Bridges in doubt. Amos then moves to Cambridge University next weekend.
Reed was forced off at the same time as Amos, also with a back injury. Faith headed over a Hibbert corner and Gault curled an effort too high with Hassocks clearly determined to test United substitute goalkeeper James Furman.
Remarkably, Hassocks too were forced into a goalkeeper change. Harding aggravated a hamstring problem and was unable to continue, meaning grizzled veteran Phil Wickwar coming off the bench.
Wickwar could do nothing to stop a fierce drive from Crabb with five minutes remaining. Hassocks immediately restored their two goal lead, Gault with a close range header from an excellent Turner cross.
A thoroughly entertaining encounter overall and both sides deserve praise for trying to play football on the usual difficult surface at the Oval.
Hassocks: Joel Harding; Mickey Turner, Pete Lear, Ashley Marsh, Stuart Faith, Sam Fisk; Matt Robbins, Spencer Slaughter, Anthony Hibbert; Phil Gault, Matt Amos.
Subs: Richard Thompson (Amos 66), Phil Wickwar (Harding 74), Logan Newington (Slaughter 88), Ian Simpson (unused),
Starman: Great all-round team performance, but just goes to Matt Robbins, industrious and busy throughout.
