Mid Sussex Football League Premier Division
Monday 13th November 2006
HASSOCKS MAKE IT 3 WINS OUT OF 4
Hassocks 1-0 Newick

Hassocks 3rds secured their 3rd win in four games with a 1-0 win over Newick thanks to a second half goal by Mark Darbyshire following an inspired substitution (thanks for that comment Thorpy!!). 

This was a very important result as Newick are one of the clubs currently below Hassocks in the league table and this win sees us enter mid table obscurity! 

Although 1-0 makes it sound a tight game, Hassocks certainly deserved their win on a blustery evening. In the first half, Hassocks were defending against the wind and Newick hardly created a chance with this advantage and when they did, brave keeping by Scott McCarthy kept them out. 

At the other end Hassocks had themselves created a few chances and Andy Burt had a goal disallowed when he was harshly given offside. 

There also seemed to be a good shout for a first half penalty for a foul on Michael Bates but after some discussion it was decided that is was 'great' tackle.

 In the 2nd half Hassocks continued to control possession but were unable to score although Andy Burt overhead kick from 6 yards was deemed to be close. 

10 minutes into the 2nd half, events away from the Beacon could have unsettled the tight Hassocks defence, as Spiesys Mrs had phoned to say that Steve would soon be a grandfather, but it was okay to finish the match before he made his way to the hospital! 

The Hassocks goal followed the move to release Darbyshire into a forward position half way through the 2nd half. From a tight position he found some space and from just inside the penalty area finished emphatically with a low left foot shot across the keeper. 

Newick then piled on some pressure without creating a real chance and Hassocks were happy to see if they could extend the lead on the break. As the game entered the last 5 minutes, Newick nearly captured an equaliser as a speculative long shot hit the bar with McCarthy well beaten. That was the end of the chances and ended a good weekend for Hassocks FC!! 

And after a fine performance Spiesy still had time for a shower and a beer before he got to the hospital, and after being up all night he did become 'grandfather' early Tuesday morning. Congrats to all the family from all at Hassocks FC - the Bulmers Originals are on the way!

Masky