Sussex County League Reserve Premier Division
Saturday 04th November 2006
ROBINS LOSE UNBEATEN RECORD
Hassocks 1-4 Hailsham Town

Hassocks lost their unbeaten league record to an impressive Hailsham Town outfit. The Robins had started the game well when captain Brian Husbands had to be replaced after five minutes with a hamstring injury.

Nathan Harvey replaced him and the wing back soon crossed well for Mark Darbyshire to volley home from close range.

Hailsham were level shortly after when Jack Simpson made a brilliant save only for the unlucky Mike Damario to deflect in for an own goal.

The visitors were on top and soon were in the lead after some bad passing and bad marking allowed the Hailsham striker an easy finish.

Hassocks were not at the races but to be fair too many team changes upset the balance and too many players not performing, apart from young Simpson in goal who defies his age. 

Half time came and the Robins were confident of getting into the game as in the first half the Hailsham keeper had had to make three good saves, but it never really happened and with 20 minutes to go the game was over after Hassocks failed to win a header from a corner and the unmarked Hailsham forward crashed home. 

Hassocks then chased the game to get back into it but rarely threatened. Wilson was somehow booked for being punched in front of the dugout along with the Hailsham culprit with the visiting dugout admitting they couldn't understand why he wasn't sent off.

When the home side questioned the ref he said, "I didn't see anything", to which someone replied, "why did you book him then?" 

At the end of the day Hassocks were never at the races and for the first time this season let themselves down. Next up for the Robins is Ticehurst in the intermediate cup.

Wickers