Mid Sussex Football League Premier Division
Saturday 27th January 2007
RUSTY ROBINS SLIP UP AT MARESFIELD
Maresfield Village 3-2 Hassocks

Our first game of 2007 ended in disappointment as we lost 3-2 to Maresfield in a game where we never got going. 

Training has been excellent but the flatness of Downlands school astro surface was in complete contrast to the bumpy surface which affected our normal soccer playing ability in the midfield. 

Even with Chris Hewitt playing sweeper we conceded two goals in the first ten minutes as we failed to close down their forwards and let them easily find space to either turn and shoot (first goal) or simply lay the ball back for a oncoming midfielder to score from the edge of the area (second goal). 

This poor stuff continued and we never ever for any constant period won the midfield battle. Amazingly by half time we had pulled it back to 2-2. Jordan scored from a free kick just out the area (thats one every four years - I make it!) and then a defender accidentally handled in the penalty area. Tom Green calmly walked up and scored with ease. 

Even a half time 'hair dryer treatment' from the boss didn't see the performance pick up in the second half and we quickly conceded a third. I would like to say we went on and bombarded the Maresfield goal looking for a equaliser but to be truthful we only created a few chances. 

We did look to be very unfortunate when Robbie Kitchen was clear but somehow the lino thought he was offside. (This time Kitch kept his mouth shut whereas four years ago he told the lino what he thought of him and took a early bath). 

So a sluggish performance and a disappointing defeat. However as always there were some good learning points and it was good to see Kevin Garrett making his debut for the club mid way through the second half.

Masky

Hassocks: McCarthy, Newington, Goodrum, Hewitt, Green, Franks; Bates, Sriharan, Watkin; Darbyshire, Kitchen

Subs: Vick, Ruffle, Garrett, Goulden, Burt