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Robins back on course as their hosts are blown away
THE strong wind blowing down the pitch meant Saturday’s clash was always likely to be somewhat bizarre and bear little relevance to the cup semi final between the teams, which has been scheduled for next month at Lancing.
At half time there can be no doubt Selsey must have regretted their decision to defend the elements in the first 45 minutes as they turned around trailing 5-0 and with all hope virtually gone.
There was an early indication of what was to come as James Westlake whipped in a fifth minute cross and Jamie Weston produced a great on-target shot that was saved.
Westlake was the provider for the first goal after 15 minutes, scored by Nathan Miles.
Straight from the kick off, Hassocks regained possession and Anthony Hibbert’s cross was superbly turned in by Phil Gault.
Trying to play out from the back proved Selsey’s undoing for the third goal on 25 minutes, well taken by Miles as he showed commendable determination to retain possession.
Free kick specialist Chris Maynard came up with the fourth goal on 39 minutes, the keeper getting his hand to the ball but failing to keep it out.
And then on the stroke of half time another free kick by Maynard looked to be heading in before Gault made sure by making contact with his knee.
Even with the prospect of the wind at their backs in the second half, hopes could not have been high in the home dressing during the break. Their home record has not been good (only a quarter of home fixtures have been won) and even after scoring twice in the second half, they have still notched only 16 goals in 12 games.
A disputed corner enabled Daniel Hegarty to pull one back early on but despite applying a fair bit of pressure, Selsey never seriously threatened a full comeback as Hassocks defended much higher up the pitch and more efficiently than their hosts had done.
Graham Bush did reduce the deficit further but the visitors ended comfortable winners.
In a physical second half, big Robins midfielder Nathan Cooper picked up a knock and was replaced by the speedy Phil Johnson, who became the victim of several fouls, most of which went unpunished.
Other subs Luke Pearce and Rowan Wallis also saw action in an excellent Hassocks performance that deservedly brought them three more points in what was their first win for four matches.
Hassocks: J Simpson; South, Marsh, Faith, Maynard; Westlake, Cooper, Hibbert, Weston; Gault, Miles. Subs: Johnson (Cooper), Pearce (Miles), Wallis (Hibbert).
Middy Starman: Right back Robert South for his fantastic work ethic.
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Weather for Haywards Heath
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
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