Sussex County League Reserve Premier Division
Thursday 05th October 2006
HASSOCKS REMAIN UNBEATEN
Horsham YMCA 1-1 Hassocks

Hassocks stay second in the league with a draw at fellow unbeaten YMCA. A few changes from the win against Sidley saw Thompson, Beveridge, Slaughter and Harvey all come in with the unlucky Wilson dropping aside! 

Hassocks finally started well with the midfield getting on top early and when Beveridge sprayed a great pass out wide to Harvey his cross just needed a touch! The pairing of Jacques and Robinson caused their hosts real problems and when Jacques was slid in he shot wide. 

Again the link of Robinson flicking the ball onto Jacques, he raced clear only to be pulled down bearing in on goal, a free kick given in a shooting position, the defender was the last man, no action taken! Slaughter from the free kick brought a great save from the keeper!

Hassocks were well on top but had to be aware of the lively front two of YM! Hassocks finally took the lead when after some great football, the ball came to Slaughter on the edge of the box and he calmly passed it into the corner for delightful finish (followed by some more badge kissing) 1 nil up at H/T should have been more! 

YMCA uped the tempo in the second half and pushed Hassocks back, the forward should of done better with a cut back from 10 yards out but nearly hit the corner flag. Hassocks front two struggled to hold the ball up and just as it seemed Hassocks had weathered the 10 min storm, a great run on the left saw Hassocks fail to get a tackle in and YM drew level with what really was a fluke when the player "spooned it" off of his boot/shinpad to leave Wickwar helpless in goal. It was Ym only attempt on target all night

Hassocks then made changes as the impressive Slaughter was replaced by Wwilson with good affect. Hassocks got back into the game, then Jewell introduced debut boys Demario, and JT for the tired Crouch and Jacques and nearly won us the game. 

Hassocks hit the post and Demario should have got the ball to JT in a great position. Ym had settled for the draw, but Hassocks pushed forward Beveridge who released Church with a great pass and Church nearly put Demario in with a great effort of a back heel on the turn! 

At the refs whistle both teams were happy with the point! Still missing Cooke, the Fernley brother's and Woods with only Slaughter involved in the First Team game Tuesday, Hassocks will only get stronger!

WICKERS