Montgomery Challenge Cup 2nd Round
Saturday 30th September 2006
HASSOCKS CRASH OUT OF CUP IN EXTRA TIME
Wivelsfield Green 5-3 Hassocks (AET)

Not sure whether to 'laugh' or 'cry' about this match, but well done to Wivelsfield Green who took their chances and as a result deserved to go through into the next round of the Cup. As Johnsy once said to me 'If you are not gonna win it, then you may as well lose in the first round!' - we didn't disappoint. 

On the positive side we had 5 players making their debuts for the club iand this included 3 Youth Team players who all made a mark on the game. Michael Bates and Sam Franks both put in outstanding performances. 

It makes you feel old when you played with there fathers but it was good to see John Franks (also ex Hassocks player - Left back - lots of appearances - 0 goals) and family supporting the team!

We got off to a good start on a huge and bumpy pitch at Janes Lane when JT scored from the edge of the area. But by half time Wivelsfield Green had equalised when Hassocks got caught out on a break.

 In the 2nd half, Hassocks simply had lots of possession but could not find the back of the net. Wivelsfield went 2-1 up and then Mike Demario got the Hassocks equaliser and this saw more pressure being put on the Wivelsfield Green goal. 

However, it was Wivelsfield who broke away to get a 3rd with just a few minutes to go. This saw Hassocks push forward in numbers and they earned themselves a free kick from the edge of the area. with no messing - Mike Demario smashed the ball into to the top corner (3-3). This was the last kick of normal time.

In the 1st period of Extra Time - Hassocks created 5 or 6 chances and went close on numerous occasions. Wivelsfield had one breakaway and scored. In the 2nd period, JT had a great chance to equalise but the Wivelsfield keeper made a great save. 

As the game worn on Wivelsfield got a 5th right at the end. So no cup glory again and we now have to concentrate on the league!

Masky