Spies the star as Robins hit seven for second game in succession
Two games played and 14 goals scored represents an excellent start to life for Hassocks Veterans in their first Fred Pretty Veterans Plate campaign since the 2017-18 season.
After hammering South Godstone 7-1 away from home three weeks ago, this time it was a trip to Charlwood, where the score line was a nearly-as-impressive 7-2 victory for the Robins.
What made this result so pleasing for Hassocks is that many of these players had suffered defeat against Charlwood last season when representing Haywards Heath Town Veterans.
That was one of only two losses all season – the other coming to Dorking Wanderers – for Nick Newman and his side. Playing for Hassocks clearly brings out the best in this lot.
As is usually the case with Veterans football, there were plenty of changes from the previous game. Seven to be precise, with the only survivors being player-boss Newman, former Republic of Ireland Under 21 international Paul Armstrong, Jonathan Bundy and Steve Spies.
Dropping out were Elliott Butler, Lee De La Rue Browne, Oliver Gosden, Pat Harding, David Juniper, Robert Sayers and Che Williams.
Harding, Butler and Juniper had scored five of the goals against South Godstone between them but such is the strength in depth available to Newman that Hassocks were able to easily replace them to once again find the back of the net seven times.
Joel Harding came into the side in goal. Ant Humphries joined Newman at centre back with Mitch Broadstock and Brendan Leahy making their first appearances of the season at right and left back respectively.
Anthony Hibbert partnered Armstrong in the middle of the park, PC Adam Waller started on the right and Chris Maynard took over on the left, leaving a front two of Bundy and Spies. On the bench, Mr 7/10 Richard Thompson.
After the reversal against Charlwood a year ago, Hassocks were looking to make a strong start. They duly did that by going into half time 5-0 ahead.
The foot came off the pedal a little as the second half ended in a 2-2 draw, but the job had been done by that blistering start to the game to make it six points from six.
Hibbert, Armstrong, Bundy and Maynard were all on target but the real star of the show and man-of-the-match was, believe it or not, Spies.
He scored a hat-trick leading the line, including one absolutely incredible diagonal bullet header from 15 yards.
Somebody quipped afterwards that he must have been trying to head it the other way but no, it did genuinely look like he meant it, much to the surprise of everyone there. Charlwood’s second half consolations came from Jamie Liddell and Richard Eastoe
The win sets Hassocks up nicely for their next match against Furnace Green Rovers on November 7th. Rovers have been in equally good form so far, putting two wins from two on the board so it will be another test of the Robins’ credentials.
Hassocks: Joel Harding; Mitch Broadstock, Nick Newman, Ant Humphries, Brendan Leahy; Adam Waller, Anthony Hibbert, Paul Armstrong, Chris Maynard; Steve Spies, Jonathan Bundy.
Subs: Richard Thompson (used).
