BROWN BURIES UNITED WITH WIND-ASSISTED HAT-TRICK
Just two weeks after Eastbourne United Association had ended Hassocks Reserves’ defence of the Sussex County League Reserve Section Cup at the first hurdle, the Robins gained some revenge by leaving the Oval with three precious league points.
The final score was 4-2 and nobody who braved the wind and the rain to watch could argue with that outcome as Hassocks and in particular Stuart Brown made much better use of the conditions than their opponents.
Brown ended the game with a hat-trick including a goal scored straight from a wind-assisted corner. That combined with an own goal that was later awarded to Stuart Faith after the stalwart bribed the dubious goals panel on the way home was enough to see Hassocks home.
The result was a particularly pleasing one given the long list of absentees that Tim Wilkins and Phil Wickwar had to deal with.
Skipper Dan Jacques had been relegated to first team duty while the whereabouts of Neil Kane are still unknown. In addition, the Robins were without George Brown, Aaron Czech, Jake Booth and Max Collins who were all rested ahead of the Under 18s huge League Cup tie against talented Littlehampton Town the following day.
All of those players have made a real impression on the Reserves so far this season and can expect to feature more regularly in the coming weeks, so if you want to catch a glimpse of some of the talented youngsters coming through the ranks at the Beacon then keep an eye on the second string’s fixtures.
Without Collins, Andy Edwards returned in goal and he performed well in horrible conditions for a goalkeeper although the undoubted star of the show was the mercurial Brown, especially given he was playing out of position up front.
A deluge just before kick off made the pitch very difficult but Hassocks were soon into their stride kicking into the wind.
Henry Dearlove was making his first start and looked a real threat bombing forward from right back, linking up well with Ellis Common who seemed to be enjoying his role further forward for the day.
Another full debutant was Josh Mitchell who came in at centre back which meant Faith was pushed into midfield – another sign of his return to form following last week’s visit to the blacksmith for a new shoe.
Hassocks took the lead on 35 minutes when some fine play down the left resulted in a cross from Luke Pawson which was met by an exquisite left foot finish from Brown for his first of the afternoon.
The Robins should have doubled their lead shortly after when the ball was somehow cleared after a goalmouth scramble before a clear cut chance was denied by a friendly offside flag from the United linesman.
At the other end, Hassocks were nearly caught out by a long throw but Edwards did well to force the striker wide, giving his defence time to regroup and clear.
Going in at half time 1-0 ahead having had to defend the biblical conditions was a great effort from the Robins and they began the second half strongly as the enigmatic Richard Thomas was guilty of missing two superb chances inside the first five minutes.
They were made to pay for those misses and a lack of concentration when the United number nine was allowed to run and finish for 1-1.
Hassocks reacted well to that equaliser, retaking the lead shortly after when Faith’s presence forced a defender into an own goal which was eventually awarded to the midfielder.
The game should have been dead and buried when Brown made it 3-1, tapping home after some great play by Thomas. Hassocks were in a charitable mood though and wanted to keep things interesting by gifting the United number nine another easy run and finish.
Just as before though the Robins responded, creating a glut of chances which they didn’t take. Dearlove hit a rocket of a free kick from a full 35 yards just over before Brown completed his hat-trick when his corner was caught by the gale and blown in at the far post for 4-1.
That killed off plucky United with Hassocks well worth the three three points at a difficult venue in testing conditions.
Hassocks: Andy Edwards; Henry Dearlove, Josh Mitchell, Rowan Wallis, Jordan Peskett; Ellis Common, Stuart Faith, Matt Sheldon, Luke Pawson; Richard Thomas, Stuart Brown.
Subs: Will Baker (Dearlove), Aaron Czech, Jake Booth (unused).
