Worrying times for Robins as goal drought goes on
Anyone who thought Hassocks were out of the woods in terms of the Sussex County League Division One relegation battle has received a rude awakening these past four matches.
This 2-0 defeat at Lingfield made it just two points for the Robins from a possible 12 against sides also in the lower half of the table.
It is hardly the return Dave John would have been looking for with tough successive home games coming up against Wick, Whitehawk and Three Bridges.
What is more worrying is Hassocks have failed to score in any of those past four matches. It is now 412 minutes since Adam Williams scored their most recent league goal, rounding off the scoring in a 3-1 win over Oakwood at the beginning of the month.
Some comfort can come from the fact the Robins are at least creating chances. What is lacking is the killer instinct or indeed little bit of luck which puts the ball in the back of the net.
Hassocks certainly had that on their last visit to Godstone Road 14 years ago. They ran out 11-0 winners on that occasion in the season they went onto win the Division Two title.
The Robins have been a mainstay of Division One ever seen. For Lingfield, this is their first ever campaign at this level of football following two quickfire promotions in the space of three seasons. More results like this and they could yet end it with a top 10 finish.
They made a bright start here, Aaron Courtney beating Phil Wickwar as early as the second minute. Thankfully for Hassocks, Ashley Marsh was on hand to clear off the line. Shortly after and Danny Gillard blazed over from the edge of the box when really well placed.
With Laurence Robinson unavailable for midweek action due to university, John brought in the experienced James Laing to partner Jamie Buckett up front.
There was some surprise that new signing from Shoreham Neil Kane was not unleashed for a full debut, especially given Hassocks’ trials and tribulations in front of goal.
John though is opting to cautiously build up the minutes of a striker who had not started an awful lot of games for the Musslemen before his move to the Beacon. Match fitness will be key to getting the most out of Kane.
Laing had the first Robins shot of the night, blocked behind for a corner. Almost immediately and Buckett volleyed tamely at Lingers goalkeeper Dan Burnett from a Stuart Faith flick on.
Lingfield took the lead on 24 minutes in what was a carbon copy of the opening goal Hassocks conceded at Shoreham on Friday.
An inswinging free kick came over from the right, Wickwar called but was beaten to it by an opponent’s head. For Dean Smith at Middle Road, read Paul White for Lingfield.
Spencer Slaughter picked up a cheap booking for a foul but the Robins otherwise responded well to falling behind.
Laing forced a fine one-handed save from Burnett. Another block then denied the veteran forward following a fine run and cross by Dan Jacques.
Hassocks came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and twice could have equalised in the opening quarter hour. Faith saw his powerful downward header superbly turned around the post by Burnett.
From the resulting corner, Buckett caught a volley perfectly. It flew through a crowd of players and went inches wide with Burnett routed to the spot.
It was against the run of play and a real sucker punch to the Robins when Lingfield scored what proved to be the decisive second goal on 64 minutes.
A huge clearance bounced in Hassocks territory. Wickwar came rushing out but Courtney got their first, lobbing the ball into the now unguarded net to leave the Robins goalkeeper ruing his decision.
Hassocks showed plenty of honest endeavour after that. There was not much surprise though amongst the travelling support that the Robins could not break down the home defence given their recent goal shyness.
Hassocks: Phil Wickwar; Dan Jacques, Sol Bowra, Ashley Marsh, Ian Simpson, Richard Thompson; Stuart Faith, Spencer Slaughter, Anthony Hibbert; Jamie Buckett, James Laing.
Subs: Neil Kane (Laing 67), Aaron Walsh (Slaughter 78) Adam Williams, Nathan Miles, Jason Gander (unused).
Starman: Ian Simpson with another commanding performance at the heart of the defence.
