MATCH REPORTS - FIRST TEAM

Sussex County League Division 1
Tuesday 02nd October 2007
SUPERB AWAY WIN FOR HARD WORKING ROBINS
Redhill 1-2 Hassocks

HASSOCKS blew hot and cold at Kiln Brow on Tuesday but a more consistent second half showing earned them a useful win that took them seventh in the County League. Manager Dave John gave a little punch of the air on the final whistle to signal his pleasure, no doubt recalling last season’s visit which ended in a 5-1 defeat despite the home keeper earning the man-of-the-match award. At least Robins exacted sweet revenge by winning by the same margin at home but in this match it looked like it could be a case of deja vu as they again went in front before apparently turning off.

Their flying start came courtesy of an Anthony Hibbert goal after seven minutes. Phil Gault burst through to test home keeper Michael Czanner and when the shot was spilled Hibbert was left with an open goal.
Czanner failed to hold much at all in the first half, spilling another Gault shot soon after without the same devastating result, but he had less to do once Robins went to sleep in midfield, where only Spencer Slaughter seemed prepared to stand up and be counted. Hibbert gave the ball away with alarming regularity and Sam Fisk had a quiet time, which allowed badly under-achieving Redhill back in the match. The inevitable happened on 26 minutes when a swift break led to Tony Reid equalising with an excellent header from Stuart Booth’s cross.

Only the reflexes of Hassocks skipper Joel Harding then denied Reid from a Wayne Robinson cross and no doubt the visitors were grateful to reach half time still on terms. Hassocks found their way again after the break and maybe Hibbert should have shot rather than trying to set up a colleague. Whatever, from the resulting corner Stuart Faith got up well but his header was virtually straight at Czanner. Still, visiting fans did not have too long to wait for the winning goal which came in the fateful 62nd minute. First Redhill had strong claims for a penalty turned down by Neil Wallace and from Harding’s clearance Matt Robbins got up well to flick the ball on for Gault to supply a most clinical finish.

A couple of minutes later Dave John had to reorganise when Ashley Marsh came off after struggling with a side strain. Brendan Leahy came on to do an excellent job at the back, while Slaughter also performed admirably in his new sweeping role. Reid put a free header over the top but immediately Hassocks broke upfield and Robbins should not have given Czanner the chance to save from close range. It was almost embarrassing when Mr Wallace awarded Redhill a penalty on 78 minutes for a challenge that never was but at least justice was done when Reid pulled his kick wide of Harding’s lefthand post. After that Fisk should have put Redhill out of their misery when he sliced a great chance wide after excellent work from Hibbert and Gault.

Team: Harding, Turner, Marsh, Lear, Faith, Thompson; Slaughter, Hibbert, Fisk; Robbins, Gault

Subs: Leahy (Marsh, 65), Thomas, Newington & Wickwar (not used)

Man of the Match: Pete Lear, Hassocks' most consistent performer on the night