HASSOCKS DROP FIRST POINTS IN MOLE VALLEY STALEMATE
After 12 victories out of 12 in Division One West of the South East Counties Women’s League, Hassocks Ladies finally dropped points for the first time this season.
A spirited Mole Valley side became the first opponents to avoid defeat against the Robins, giving a determined defensive display to leave the Beacon with a well-earned 0-0 draw. It was probably a fair result.
Hassocks’ exploits this season appear to be catching up with them at just the wrong time and after losing to Premier Division Saltdean United in the semi-finals of the League Cup last week, they were sluggish against opponents who currently sit second in the table.
Mole Valley enjoyed the better of the opening 10 minutes with Chloe John having to make an early interception to prevent a goal scoring opportunity.
That woke the Robins up slightly and they began to create a couple of half chances. Billie Philpott fired just wide after a beautiful through ball from Sam Newman and then Liz King looked to get Philpott in again but the visiting goalkeeper was quick off her line to snuff out the danger.
From there, the game went straight up the other end where Claire Stevens had to make two great blocks, Sarah Chappell produced a magnificent save to claw a free kick out of the top corner and from the resulting corner, Stevens again did well by this heading off the line.
Going forward, King was proving to be a real threat with her driving runs from a deep midfield position and she drew a fine save from the Mole Valley goalkeeper.
King headed the subsequent corner just wide whilst more last-ditch defending was required at the other end, this time via a trademark perfectly timed sliding block by Emma Young.
Hassocks’ best chance of the first half probably came from a goalmouth scramble from a corner won by an enterprising run by Tallie Bright, but nobody in red could add the finish touch amid frantic scenes in the Mole Valley box.
Another set piece caused issues for the visitors, this time a well-worked short corner routine which presented Kirsten Mair with a sight of goal but her shot was saved and Philpott was off target with a header.
Mole Valley had two glorious opportunities to take the lead before the break but again they were denied by some excellent defending as first Gemma Craig headed clear and then Stevens made another last-ditch tackle to ensure it remained 0-0 at the break.
After that action packed first half, the second 45 was something of a disappointment in comparison. The tone was set with a scrappy opening 15 minutes in which both sides frequently surrendered possession as the encounter developed a war of attrition feel.
Philpott had the first just before the hour mark but her effort was saved and there was another frustrating goalmouth scramble in which no Hassocks player could get a shot away.
Philpott was pulling wider by this point and she delivered a fantastic cross which was well cut out by the Mole Valley goalkeeper and with Hassocks beginning to sense that it wasn’t going to be their day for once, the visitors grew in confidence and had the better of the final 20 minutes.
Young had to make another goal saving block and Stevens showed excellent pace and strength to thwart the Mole Valley striker as she bore down on Chappell’s goal at an alarming rate.
The final chance of the game did go Hassocks’ way but Philpott snatched at it, flashing her shot agonisingly wide of the post.
There was no doubt that Stevens had been the Robins’ best player come the final whistle and although there was more than a hint of disappointment in the home camp after, Hassocks will know that one point is better than none and the chance to become champions is still in their hands with three games left to play.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Chloe John, Claire Stevens, Sam Newman, Emma Young, Tallie Bright, Gemma Craig, Liz King, Kirsten Mair, Billie Philpott, Katherine Chappell
Subs: Ria Banitas, Jodie Johanson (used), Banna Hannes, Hollie Larmar (unused).
