Having
won their first 2 games, Hassocks 3rds sit proudly
on top of the Mid Sussex premier league. There
opening game on September 1st saw them visit
Felbridge and there was the normal mixture of youth
and senior players. Although the starting 11 had not
played together prior to this game, a good tempo was
set and it soon became obvious it was going to be a
tight game. Jason Gander in goal was outstanding and
the other youth team players - Nathan Miles and
Jamie Hillwood were showing what they had to offer.
All 3 of these players look like they have great
potential in the years to come. The game ended 1-0
to Hassocks with Miles getting the all important
winner at the start of the 2nd half. There were
times when the Hassocks goal seemed to have a
charmed life but Hassocks deserved the win and
should have added to there total as they created
numerous chances after the 1st goal.
There
2nd game was away to Balcombe who had already beaten
the top 2 from last year. Thanks to further
availability it was great to see the return of
Husbands, Dicky Fernley and Ian Church from
their summer hols. All 3 had been regulars in the
reserve team last year and they provided some extra
class to the team that had won the week before.
Again Jason Gander was excellent in goal as the team
enjoyed a second clean sheet. Its difficult to lose
when you don't let in any goals said Cloughie and
this certainly makes a difference to a team who let
in on average 2.5 goals a game last season. The game
was tight for much of the game and although Hassocks
created a couple of good chances, Balcombe also
threatened. Similar to last week, Hassocks scored
early on in the 2nd half when Tom Green came up for
a free kick and the excellent flighted ball found
Green who volleyed home. The goalkeeper was probably
a little disappointed with his effort but it was
great news for Hassocks. The all important 2nd goal
should have come but again missed chances kept the
supporting Hassocks crowd (8 people) on tenterhooks!
With the introduction of Tom Barnes and Jordan
Sriharan, Hassocks never looked like conceding and
90 seconds from the end, a long clearance from
Husbands flew over the goalies head and made it 2-0.
Husbands was heard after the game 'how he saw the
goalie off the line and calmly lobbed him!' Balcombe
pressed forward for a consolation goal but Hassocks
scored again on the break when Miles found the
corner to give Hassocks a convincing 3-0 win. This
may have flattered us but there again there have
been games in the past where we haven't had much
luck.
Masky
