Despite lots of honest endeavour
and hard work, Hassocks were ultimately outclassed by a slick
Arundel outfit at the Beacon, losing 3-0. Dave John lost James
Laing and Richard Thompson to injuries, so their were first
starts for Aaron Walsh and Jamie Buckett up front but they
struggled to get any change out of the experienced pairing of
Jason Wimbleton and Stuart Hack.
In fact the Robins had only 2
worthwhile attempts on goal, Michael Bates forcing a save from
Alex Bryant as early as the 2nd minute and Anthony Hibbert saw
his header tipped over by Bryant in the 63rd minute. By that
time the visitors led 2-0 thanks to a well taken double by
Howard Neighbour. On 29 minutes he converted with a fine
header after a centre from Josh Biggs and then on the hour
punished hesitancy in the Hassocks defence, firing home from
the edge of the box after Hassocks had failed to clear a free
kick.
Jack Simpson made fine saves to
deny Hack, Neighbour and Mike Huckett in the first half and
early in the second period both sides were reduced to 10 men
when Nick Pitcher and Gary Norgate were sent off
following an unsavoury scuffle on the ground. Referee Ryan
Ellis, who was on top of things most of the game could have
issued yellows but felt the offences serious enough to issue
straight reds. Tackles began to fly in, Aaron Walsh and Ashley
Marsh were cautioned for the Robins, Huckett and Neighbour for
Arundel.
Josh Biggs sealed the points on
81 minutes with a superb 40 yard lob over the back pedalling
Simpson, who's clearance went straight to the Arundel
midfielder. Lots of hard work in the weeks ahead for Hassocks
as they look to improve and climb the table.
Hassocks: J Simpson, Jacques, Eynon, Marsh, Faith,
Pitcher, Bates, Hillwood, Hibbert, Walsh, Buckett
Subs: I Simpson (Hillwood 54),
Thomas (Walsh 70), Williams (Jacques 82), Laing (unused)
Starman: Jack Simpson
