WRIGHT STRIKES AS BEARS BITE TO BEAT HASSOCKS
There was a distinct end of season feel to proceedings at Broadbridge Heath on the penultimate weekend of the Southern Combination League season where the hosts ran out 1-0 winners over an out-of-sorts Hassocks.
Dean Wright netted the only goal for the Bears on the hour mark in a game that is unlikely to live long in the memory for anybody in attendance.
That was understandable given neither side really had anything to play for. Heath have all but secured their highest ever finish seeing as they are virtually assured of eighth spot.
The Robins meanwhile have enjoyed a stunning end to the campaign, seven wins from their 11 previous games alleviating what were at one stage very real relegation fears.
That’s given them renewed hope for next season presuming Mark Dalgleish and Phil Wickwar are able to keep this young and talented squad together squad together.
That will be for a 24th season of top flight football and a 26th season at the Beacon – something the club will celebrate at their final home game of the season against Crawley Down Gatwick on ‘Former Robins Day’, when any ex-players can watch the current crop for free.
And this current crop is one of the youngest squads the Robins have fielded. In fact, it was two young sides on show at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre; the Bears back four having an average age of 19 while Hassocks fielded five players under the age of 21.
It was one of those youthful Robins who had Hassocks’ best opportunities of the first half. Liam Benson twice went close, firstly when breaking through the Heath back line only to delay his effort on goal for long enough to allow Stuart Chester to get back and make a block.
Benson then intercepted a back pass and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Michael Chester but the shot dropped inches wide of the post.
Luke Akehurst and Phil Gault both went close with powerful headers while for Heath, Andy Parson’s hit a free kick just over.
The most lively player on show in a pretty turgid opening 45 was the hosts’ Shaun Findlay. He sparked into life 10 minutes before the interval, dancing his way down the right and past three Hassocks players before hitting a shot across the face of goal.
He then forced James Broadbent into an excellent block with a distance effort with Jamie Robinson’s volley from the rebound being cleared off the line.
Heath began the second half as they had ended the first by dominating proceedings with Hassocks clearly missing the industry of James Westlake.
Westlake was unavailable due to his running commitments, completing the London Marathon the next day in a stunning personal best time of 2:26:33 to finish in 27th place.
Back to the football and it was Findlay who was again tormenting the Robins, Broadbent being quick off his line to save at the forwards feet. Findlay then teed up Rob Godfrey whose pot shot sailed over the bar.
There wasn’t much surprise when Heath opened the scoring, only that Findlay was not involved in it. Instead, it was Parsons who was the creator, picking out Wright in the box.
Broadbent did well to save Wright’s initial effort but unfortunately for the Robins number one, the ball fell straight back to the striker who gleefully accepted a second bite of the cherry to place his shot into the bottom corner.
Despite there being 30 minutes left, you could sense that was game, set and match and the only further opportunity of note came when Jamal Sultan rattled the underside of the bar for Heath.
Hassocks: James Broadbent; Bradley Tighe, Ashley Marsh, Luke Akehurst, Bradley Bant; Lewis Westlake, Tom Barnes, Jack Rowe-Hurst; Phil Gault; Liam Benson, Michael Death.
Subs: Jack Wilkins, Mark Price (used).
Starman: Liam Benson.
