Sussex County League Reserve Section Cup
Wednesday 4th April 2007
THOMMO FIRES ROBINS TO CUP GLORY
Hassocks 2-0 Shoreham

Richard Thompson was the unlikely goal scoring hero for Hassocks, as they lifted the reserve section cup for the first time in their history with a deserved 2-0 win over Shoreham. Thommo drilled in 2 unstoppable shots from outside the box, one in each half, to end the dogged resistance of a young and spirited Shoreham side. The Robins dominated much of the play but a hard and bumpy surface made getting the ball down on the deck difficult and chances were at a premium throughout

Hassocks however had the better players on the night, with Husbands, Stripp and in particular Ian Simpson looking commanding at the back, whilst Church, Slaughter and the excellent Andy Wilson got to grips with the midfield. Enegergetic runs forward from both Harvey and Thompson at wing backs casued problems all night and the enigmatic Richard Thomas and the tireless Dan Jacques worked hard for scraps all evening

Little happened in the first half hour, Joel Harding, deputising for the injured Jack Simpson, tipped over a huge punt that bounced awkwardly and Slaughter headed wide from a Wilson corner. The Robins took the lead in the 34th minute, Thompson collected Wilsons superb pass in the centre forward spot and rifled a left foot "Riise-like" special into the top corner past Downer from just outside the box. Warwick McClymont then volleyed just wide and just before the interval, Thomas found space but narrowly hooked his effort just wide

Shoreham started the second half brightly and had lots of possesoin but Harding remained unthreatened apart from a couple of long range efforts that he comfortably dealt with. Robinson replaced Slaughter halfway through the half and immeadiately bought another dimension with his height and assured touch. However he picked up a harash booking for not retreating 10 yards from a freekick, joining Slaughter and Stripp, who could have no complaints about his yellow card for upending McClymont, in a real case of "Have you got his wallet?"

Robinson should of wrapped the game up on 77, Downer saving from close range with his feet, when the Robins striker should of scored. The lead was doubled on 80, Thompson lashing home again from the edge of the box after a good lay off by Thomas. Hassocks saw out the remaining minutes comfortably and collected some well deserved silverware. Messers Jewell and Wickwar were delighted at the end, a fine reward for all their hard work this season with the prospect of a good finish in the league still to come

Club stalwart Brian Husbands accepted the trophy from Peter Bentley. Richard Thompson was quite rightly awarded the Man of the Match trophy but both Wilson and Simpson pushed him close

Team: Harding, Harvey, Thompson, Church (Fernley 87), Husbands, Stripp, Simpson, Wilson, Thomas, Slaughter (Robinson 67), Jacques (Ternouth 85)

Unused Subs: Darbyshire, McCarthy

Goals: Thompson 34,80

Bookings: Stripp (mugging), Slaughter and Robinson (dissent)