HIBBERT STRIKE SEES HASSOCKS PROGRESS
After Saturday’s magnificent display in winning 3-0 away at Chessington & Hook United in the FA Cup, this was very much a case of after the Lord Mayor’s show for Hassocks as they got their Sussex RUR Charity Cup campaign underway.
They struggled to break down a resolute Crawley Down outfit from a division below in the first ever meeting between the two sides.
Perhaps that shouldn’t have come as a surprise given their exertions four days previously. In fact, you could even argue that this performance and result highlighted the Robins’ other qualities such as determination as they were forced to keep plugging away against determined opposition.
Hassocks had lots of possession but squandered plenty of good opportunities before Anthony Hibbert volleyed home his fourth goal of the season with just nine minutes remaining.
That ensured that the Robins won’t have to try and cram a replay into an already packed fixture list – they’re still in all four knockout competitions – and sets up a home time with either holders Ringmer or Eastbourne Town in round three.
As well as being wasteful in front of goal, Hassocks also came up against an inspired goalkeeping display from the visitors’ Matt Heasman.
The Down goalkeeper produced several excellent saves which kept Hassocks at bay for much of the match. He deserved a replay.
Dave John made two changes from the side that had been so impressive at the weekend. James Laing was rested with Matt Robbins coming in to partner Pat Harding in attack and Chris Brown was handed a start in midfield.
Brown coming in necessitated a position change for Stuart Faith who dropped into the back five in place of Brendan Leahy.
Faith may have to get used to a defensive role over the coming weeks as the early prognosis is that Leahy could be out for some time after being forced off just before the break at Chessington.
Hibbert had the first two chances of the game with a couple of distance efforts, firing over from 25 yards and 20 yards respectively. The second of those was the closest, whistling just past the upright with Heasman stranded in no mans land.
Pat Harding had one of his quieter evenings in front of goal but his work rate across the back line troubled a Down defence who didn’t appear to know what to do with him.
Graham Beveridge headed over, Harding shot straight at Heasman and Robbins fire over in a goalless first half that left Hassocks frustrated but in charge of the game.
Down tried to attack a little more after the break and they had a good chance to take the lead on 56 minutes, the lively Dan Sullivan firing over when well placed.
At the other end, Hibbert again found himself with a shooting opportunity but was denied by a smart stop from the legs of Heasman.
Sullivan continued to look like Down’s most likely route to causing an upset and it took an excellent diving save from Joel Harding to deny him after the striker had managed to find a pocket of space in the box.
Substitute Mark Saunders then went close after his driving run from the halfway line ended with a shot from the edge of the area that was inches wide.
Laing was introduced for the injured Robbins on 66 minutes and on 73 minutes, John made a minor adjustment by replacing Beveridge with Kieron Leahy who slotted into the back line, freeing Faith up to move into midfield.
Those changes paid dividends on 81 minutes as Faith’s forward pass found Laing who produced a delightful flick to set up Hibbert for his match winning volley.
Hassocks: Joel Harding; Mickey Turner, Stuart Faith, Chris Hewitt, Ashley Marsh, Richard Thompson; Graham Beveridge, Chris Brown, Anthony Hibbert; Matt Robbins, Pat Harding.
Subs: Kieron Leahy (Beveridge 73), James Laing (Robbins 66), Sam Fisk, Phil Wickwar (unused).
Starman: Anthony Hibbert, excellent all round display and a fine goal to cap it off.
