Sussex County League Division 1
Tuesday 11th August 2008
HIBBERT STRIKE EARNS ROBINS DESERVED SHARE OF SPOILS
Hailsham Town 1-1 Hassocks

A superb strike in the 88th minute from Anthony Hibbert gave the Robins a deserved share of the spoils at the Beaconsfield on Tuesday night. Just when it looked like Hassocks would pay for squandering chances, Hibbert's excellent drive from 25 yards through a crowded area earned the Robins the point they merited. Hassocks made 3 changes from their opening day win, giving first team debuts to James McKenzie and Jamie Hillwood and giving Ali Russell his first full start. Hillwood in particular impressed after a nervous start.

Hassocks started brightly, Spencer Slaughter, playing in an unfamiliar role up front was denied at the far post by a block from Max Dyer following a fine centre from Russell and then shortly after Slaughter's ferocious drive from 25 yards flashed just wide of the upright. Adam Kneller's free kick from a similar distance clipped the top of the bar and Sam Cole fired wide when well placed as Hailsham got a foot in the game.However it was against the run of play when the home side took the lead in the 37th minute, Ashley Jarvis heading home from close range as Paul Williams was caught in 2 minds as to whether to come for a cross which held up in the wind. Almost immediately, Slaughter missed the chance of the half when he rounded Glen Jenner in the Hailsham goal but with the goal at his mercy his sidefoot effort hit the post.

The second half was a one sided affair, Hailsham rarely threatened, with the Robins camped in their half. McKenzie lobbed over after a fine lay off from Russell. James Bird got hold of the midfield and he was instrumental in urging Hassocks forward. Russell scuffed his effort straight at Jenner and Hillwood's marauding run down the left ended with the young wing backs effort bouncing off the top of the bar. McKenzie came even closer, his magnificent half volley from 22 yards hit the inside of the post before cannoning out and Matt Amos forced Jenner into a save low down but it was no more than the Robins deserved when Hibberts effort went in from long range following a scramble from a corner.

Hassocks may look at this as 2 points dropped after dominating the game but it was a vast improvement on the performance against East Preston and they can take heart that kept going until the end and were rewarded with something out of the game in the end.

Hassocks: Williams, Percival, Hillwood, Marsh, Lear, White, Bird, Hibbert, Russell (Robinson 75), Slaughter (Amos 69), McKenzie

Unused subs: Laing, Faith

Man of the Match: Young Jamie Hillwood had a fine debut but it goes to James Bird who was all over the place and hardly gave the ball away all evening