SHOOT OUT WIN SENDS ROBINS THROUGH WITH A SHOCK
After a couple of disappointing results, Hassocks Under 23s bounced back to form by shocking Bluefin Development League opponents in the Sussex Under 23 Challenge Trophy.
This was a performance full of character from the Robins away at Three Bridges, a side who ply their trade in the Isthmian League’s Under 23 section.
Hassocks trailed 2-0 in normal time before finding a way to fight back through Under 18s striker Alfie Loversidge’s first goals for the Under 23s.
Bridges went back ahead in extra time, only for George Galbraith-Gibbons to level things up again and take the tie to penalties.
An extraordinary shootout then unfolded with all 10 outfield players being required to kick for both teams, Hassocks eventually triumphing 8-7 from 12 yards to advance against their higher division opponents.
Loversidge was the Robins’ star performer on his full debut for Dave John’s side, one of five changes made by the Robins boss from the side who went down 2-0 in the league to Worthing United a week ago. Also coming in were Matt Denyer, Dan Turner, Lewis Westlake and Reece Wickwar.
Turner and Westlake’s returns from injury are timely given that the Robins’ absentee list is currently longer than a Leo Tolstoy novel.
Their showings at Jubilee Field could push them both back into first team contention, although Westlake has recently dual-signed with reigning Mid Sussex League champions Cuckfield Rangers.
Those making way were James Earl, Steve Bright, Joe Russell, Louis Pople and Liam Benson with Bright joining Joe Tatford and youth team duo Jack Gardner and Luke Marshall among the substitutes.
As you may have gathered, this was a hugely impressive result, especially given that some of Bridges’ squad have tasted first team football in the Isthmian League South East Division already this season. They probably were a little under cooked though coming into the tie, having played just two league games so far.
Not that it showed. Bridges surged into a 2-0 lead and it looked like it would be a routine win for the hosts at that stage of proceedings.
That was until Loversidge struck the first of his brace on 57 minutes. The second arrived eight minutes later, shocking Bridges somewhat as an additional 30 minutes was required to try and separate the two sides.
It couldn’t. Bridges went back into the lead early in extra time but Galbraith-Gibbons’ second of the season with just six minutes remaining sent the tie to spot kicks.
Hassocks missed two out of 10 with Bridges squandering three, sending the Robins through to the second round of the competition.
They’ll face another tough ask there against Southern Combination League West Division leaders Horsham YMCA, opponents who have already defeated Hassocks 2-1 this season and who beat the Robins to the title last season.
This performance should give John’s young charges confidence going forward though with a Friday night clash away at Lancing next on the agenda.
Hassocks: Reece Wickwar, Matt Denyer, Dan Turner, Thomas Jupp, Ben O’Leary, Harvey Ransome, Max Donaldson, Lewis Westlake, Joe Bull, Alfie Loversidge, George Galbraith-Gibbons.
Subs: Steve Bright, Jack Gardner, Luke Marshall, Joe Tatford (used).
