Mid Sussex Football League Premier Division Group B
Saturday 14th April 2007
PREMIER FOOTBALL SECURED BY YOUNG SIDE
East Grinstead United 0-0 Hassocks

You have to go back 2 years to see the last time that Hassocks 3rs were involved in a 0-0 draw and conditions that day were pretty similar to the one we found at East Grinstead. 

A bumpy pitch, a strong wind and a very light ball made playing football very difficult. There were a number of changes from the side that played Old Varndenians with Jason Gander making his 3rd team debut in goal as Scott was with the 2nds. 

It was an excellent debut from him and certainly a good club prospect. He was not the only Youth Team player to make his debut as Nathan Miles came on for the last 20 minutes and did well playing up front. 

The game was bit of a non event and 0-0 was always on the cards as both team struggled with the conditions. 

The closest Hassocks came to a goal was a free kick from James Watkins which the goalie struggled with the bounce and a better positioned linesman may have seen the ball going over the line. 

Both Spies and Franks coped well with the East Grinstead attack although a mistake in the 1st few minutes by the normally reliable Bowles nearly gave East Grinstead a early goal. 

Thereafter the only scare in the 1st half was when Gander parried the ball onto the cross bar. 2nd half followed a similar pattern with East Grinstead having more possession and desperately trying to work hard to create chances. 

Slack marking from a corner again nearly cost Hassocks dear but the header went just wide. At the other end Hassocks best chance came from a long Goodrum throw and Spies header went just wide. 

East Grinstead nearly snatched a very late equaliser but Gander capped a fine debut by standing tall when face to face with the opposing forward. 

So a good point gained and this secures another season in the Mid Sussex Premier League with further intermediate football.

Masky