Hassocks boss Dave John was
virtually down the bare bones for Saturday's Sussex Senior
Cup quarter final and under the circumstances, it was no
real surprise the club failed to make the last four of this
competition for the first time. Visitors
Shoreham repeated their 1-0 FA Cup over Robins early on this
season and as in most recent games between the teams, this
tie was particularly tight.
It was settled by a goal only
five minutes into home keeper Jason Gander's senior debut.
One had to feel for him as Dean Smith's well struck
30-yarder was in the one place the teenage keeper could not
reach it as the ball sailed over him into the top corner.
After that the youngster did some good things and was
certainly busier than his opposite number Michael Hunter.
But neither keeper could claim to be overworked in a game of
few chances.
Hassocks did not manage one
shot in the first half and as in the fortunate 1-0 cup
victory over Chichester in midweek, it was only in the last
quarter of the match that they threatened the opposition
goal. Their first chance did not arrive until just 12
minutes from time but it was a good one as the busy Spencer
Slaughter found Aaron Walsh in the middle and his first
touch was good as he took the ball on his chest.
Unfortunately for the Lindfield player, and Hassocks, his
finish did not match that as he put his effort well off
target.
After waiting so long for a
sniff at goal, the hosts went close to levelling three
minutes later when big Ian Simpson headed Anthony Hibbert's
free kick on to the bar with Hunter beaten, and James Laing
was unable to capitalise on the rebound. That was about it
as far as Hassocks were concerned but their manager was
happy enough with the effort they put in, particularly in
the second half and at least he now has skipper Ashley Marsh
and keeper Jack Simpson back from suspension.
With 'flu ruling out the
keeper's usual reliable deputy Phil Wickwar, Jamie Buckett
also under the weather and so being an unused sub, and big
Laurence Robinson not returning from university, Johnsy was
simply happy enough that his side competed. They also lost
the reliable Richard Thompson at half time as a back twinge
was rested as a precaution and Ian Dawson switched to left
back as Dan Jacques came on and put over some useful crosses
in the improved second half showing.
Stand-in skipper Stuart Faith
led by example and the rugged Sol Bowra and Slaughter were
prominent but also credit rookie striker Walsh who with
limited service put himself about admirably and at least
offered the hope that something might happen up front as the
far more experienced Laing played somewhat deeper.
Hassocks: Gander; Dawson,
Bowra, Faith, I Simpson, Thompson; Slaughter, Hibbert,
Williams; Laing, Walsh.
Subs: Jacques (Thompson, 45),
Buckett, Beveridge (not used).
Starman: Aaron Walsh
