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: Simpson, Jacques (Williams 82), Eynon,
Marsh, Faith, Pitcher, Bates, Hillwood (I Simpson
54), Hibbert, Walsh (Thomas 70), Buckett
Unused
sub: Laing
MOM: Jack Simpson
