Mid Sussex Football League Premier Division Group B
Saturday 24th March 2007
HASSOCKS SLIP UP AT WISDOMS
Wisdom Sports 3-1 Hassocks

Hassocks started really brightly in this game and debutant Dan Hyttner nearly scored in the first 12 seconds when he found himself in a good position just inside the penalty area but his shot cleared the bar. 

They did however soon open the scoring when veteran Robbie Kitchen stole a yard and used his strength to keep off the defender and scored with a fine strike with his left foot. 

Hassocks needed to build on this superb start but unfortunately Wisdoms responded well and started to dominate. And it was this pattern for rest of the game. Hassocks held on till half time and with Tom Green feeling unwell had to make a few changes. Additionally, playing against the wind and on a very bumpy pitch made it even more difficult and they were only able to hold onto the lead for a few minutes. 

In what turned out to be interesting half for Steve Spies, he was unfortunate to be the last player to get a touch on a cross and his header gave Scott McCarthy no chance at the near post. After this own goal, Spies then was unlucky to have been adjudged to handle the ball and the ref pointed to the penalty spot. Scott stood big and the penalty was hit wide. 

Rarely did Hassocks look like responding and they were soon 2-1 behind as they failed to defend another cross when Wisdoms sweeper was able to come round the back and score with a free header. 

With about 15 minutes to go the game was all over as Spies gave away a 2nd penalty. He produced a marvellous save from a shot but since he wasn't our goal keeper the ref had no choice but to give him a straight red. Spies left the field a little bewildered with his afternoon work. 

Suspicion were further raised when he did state that he was going out drinking with a few of the Wisdom players after the match. This second penalty was securely struck and Scott again had no chance. 

So once again another disappointing defeat at Victoria Park for a Hassocks side. On a positive note it was good to see Brendan Leahy return to the game after a long term injury and certainly for Spies, an interesting performance!!! It certainly cheered up the rest of the club when the result was phoned home...

Masky

Hassocks: McCarthy, Hyttner, Goodrum, Bowles, Spies, Green; B Leahy, Srihran, Watkin; Demario, Kitchen

Subs: Garratt, Goulden, Maskell