Sussex County League Reserve Premier Division
Saturday 25th November 2006
COOKE GOAL SINKS EASTBOURNE
Eastbourne Town 0-1 Hassocks

Hassock's had a great win at Eastbourne town thanks a single goal from Cooke! Hassocks had a great win at last seasons champions. Hassocks did Eastbourne a massive favor for them last year by stopping Crowborough in the last game of the season to allow Eastbourne to snatch the title! 

After some heavy rain the pitch was in really good condition and Hassocks were boosted by the return of Faith after a long lay-off and Harding due to Wickwar having a Shoulder Problem! The game was fast paced and Hassocks started brightly and had some early corners that put pressure on the Town goal! But Husbands and Simpson could not take advantage. 

After a good start Hassocks were forced into an early change when Faith broke down with the same knee problem after just 12 mins! Joint manager Jewell decided that joint player manager Wickwar was his best option as Darbyshire had left his shirt in the dressing room! Wickwar played in midfield with the reliable Wilson and Dawson! Hassocks pressed in the first half and Cooke should of got a shot away! Cooke and Robinson caused trouble up top and worked well! 

Harvey was put in wide by Wickwar but his cross was missed by all! Harding wasn't really troubled in the first half, Hassocks should have done more in front of goal but went in HT 0-0 having slightly more of the play! 

Second half Eastbourne upped there tempo and forced Harding into a couple of routine saves! Eastbourne were enjoying more possession than Hassocks and Harding saved brilliantly at the feet of a town player! This seemed to spur Hassocks on! 

Robinson deftly flicked the ball on for Cooke to outpace the defence and finish off at the second time of asking! Hassocks caught Town on the break when Robinson beat 3 challenges and the keeper made a 1 on 1 save when he shouled have squared it for a tap in for Cooke! 

Hassocks then lost sub Wickwar to a knee injury that looks like it will keep him out for a few weeks (RELIEF!) Darbyshire replaced him and forced a save by Town keeper form a header! Cooke then put Wilson in and his thunderbolt shot from 18 yards beat the keeper but clipped the top of the bar! 

In the last 10 mins Town were encampled in the Hassocks half but could not get past the solid defence of Husbands, Ternouth and Simpson! Hassocks will need to improve on there ball retention in games to come! Thanks to the travelling army of Hassocks support, must of been in double figures. Hassocks need more wins to keep in touch of the leaders in the next few weeks

WICKERS