Mid Sussex Football League Premier Division
Saturday 18th November 2006
MASTER BATES BANGS IN TWO
Balcombe 1-3 Hassocks

Two goals from Bates and another from Grandad Spies secured 3 further points for Hassocks 3rds away to Balcombe. 

Hassocks started brightly and a long through ball from Sriharan committed the Balcombe keeper into coming out of his area and trying to clear the ball. 

Unfortunately for him, Spies challenged him, won the ball and scored into a empty net. Hassocks continued to put the Balcombe defence under pressure and when Bates challenged a defended in the box, the ball ran loose and young master Bates smacked the ball home to give Hassocks a deserved 2-0 lead. 

This stunned Balcombe into a response and they started to have a lots of possession with quite a few long shots which did little to trouble McCarthy in the Hassocks goal. 

Hassocks then nearly scored a 3rd which would have more or less secured victory, unfortunately Burt's goal was disallowed when Spies was flagged offside - this seemed a little harsh but the decision was made. 

This upset Hassocks rhythm and Balcombe came to dominate the play and create a few chances. Good defending though kept the score at 2-0 to the Robbins at half time. In any game like this the next goal is so important, unfortunately Balcombe got it!

 A long throw created confusion in the Hassocks defence and led to an easy tap in for the Balcombe player. Balcombe then again out Hassocks under pressure but Hassocks always looked dangerous on the break. 

Spies nearly got his 2nd but was unlucky to hit the post and overhead kick by Burt was just wide. As the game went on, the slender lead Hassocks had looked increasingly vulnerable until 10 minutes from the end. 

Bates was looking to cross the ball and with everyone expecting a cross into the box he calmly smacked the ball direct into the Balcombe goal with the keeper beaten at the near post - alla Peter Beardsley famous goal for England at Wembley!!! 3-1 to Hassocks and a win that keeps the impressive run going with their 4th win in 5 games.

Masky