Sussex County League Reserve Section Cup
Friday 19th January 2007
RAMPANT ROBINS MARCH INTO LAST EIGHT
Hassocks 4-1 Whitehawk

A rampant Robins blew the Hawks away with a scintillating display to book a quarter final place away to Lancing. After a late pitch inspection the game was given the go ahead by the match referee, but in all honesty the game was never in doubt and much credit has to be given to groundsman Alan John for producing a great surface.  A few changes were made by management team Jewell and Wickwar, with Jacques replacing Robinson up front. Slaughter came in to midfield and Ternouth replaced Wickwar who was on baby alert after his partners waters had broken. 

Hassocks started confidently against a good Whitehawk side that are 2nd in the league. They soon took the lead that there start deserved when Slaughter released Dawson down the right, his brilliant far post cross was met by Thomas who then set up Jacques for an easy finish from 8 yards for his 4th goal in 2 games. Hassocks then took there foot off the gas, Dawson made an unforced error to which Whitehawk punished Hassocks when the left winger for the Hawks produced a fantastic far post cross for the forward to nod home! 

This seemed to galvanize Hassocks and the midfield trio of Church, Wilson and Slaughter were bossing the game and soon Hassocks were in front after some neat build up play, the ball came to Slaughter on the edge of the box and left footed he calmly pass the ball high and wide of the keeper into the roof of the net. Hassocks clearly learnt from going a goal up and conceding straight away were still pressing and were soon 3 -1 up after a brilliant run from the impressive Slaughter, he held off the Hawks defence to square it to Thomas to tap in the empty net! 

Second half Hassocks knew that it would be harder into the wind but they didn't let Whitehawk get going. The defence handled anything the Hawks threw at them, with young Simpson in goal again impressing. Hassocks should have scored again after a great deep Wilson corner was met by skipper Husbands who should have scored for the second but again failed to hit the target, not even Huzzy could offer any excuse!!. Hassocks kept the Hawks out of the game and soon Hawks lost their heads and it was only a matter of time before Hassocks scored again, Church great reverse pass slid Dawson in and his cross missed the 3 Hassocks players all sliding in after each other, then Church produced a great bit of skill in front of the Hassocks faithful but his finish was poor. 

Robinson replaced Jacques and soon "Crouchy" was on the score sheet after his sliced cross some how evaded the Hawks keeper to find the net!! Hassocks saw out the game with ease and managers Jewell and Wickwar were delighted and in fairness a young Hassocks side outplayed there higher placed opponents from start to finish! 

Great result and good performance which Hassocks will have to take on to their next game at Home Sat 27th to Hastings in a tough game. Hassocks have resigned Tom Stripp from St Francis and soon hope to have Dicky Fernley back from injury and to have Graeme Beveridge available soon which can only be good news for the squad!

Wickers