Dave John steps down, but Hassocks earn superb point

Dave John announced his decision to step down from the hotseat due to health reasons with his assistant Mark Dalgleish and former reserve team boss Phil Wickwar taking over the reigns. And they saw their new charges battle to a first point in four matches as they twice came from behind in an entertaining encounter at Gorings Mead.

Phil Johnson could have given the visitors the lead inside the first minute, winning a free kick and then being found from the set piece with time and space inside the box only to miscontrol and allow the ball to roll through to Mark Fox in the YM goal. The home side were reduced to ten men with just ten minutes gone, Dave Brown petulantly kicking out at Mark Price right in front of the referee after a typically robust tackle from the Hassocks midfielder. That dismissal seemed to cause all manner of confusion to YM and the Robins took full advantage of the reorganisation going on, Johnson racing clear and rounding the goalkeeper to square for Tom Davess who was left with the simplest of tap ins.

Despite the man advantage, Hassocks were happy to keep a compact shape and use Johnson’s pace to hit on the counter attack which served them well until a momentary lapse in concentration just before half time allowed YM to equalise.

It came from the most inevitable of sources in the shape of Anthony Hibbert, a stalwart of over 400 games for the Robins before leaving earlier in the season who rose to head home a cross after the visitors switched off from a quick throw.

YM started the second half brightest and took the lead through Nick Sullivan on the hour mark as Hassocks surrendered possession far too easily, allowing the prolific marksman to be played in and finish powerfully despite the best efforts of George Willett who got a hand to the shot. Hassocks went on the attack after that and were duly rewarded when Johnson earned another free kick and from Davess’ delivery, captain Ashley Marsh rose highest to score a rare goal - just his 4th in a decade at the club.

The travelling support thought that might have given their side the impetus to go on and win the game but those hopes were dented just five minutes later, Dan Sullivan tapping home from a corner after Willett had made a smart save from a free header following more poor marking.

That could have seen Hassocks heads drop but they managed to conjure up a deserved 87th minute equaliser, some neat play around the edge of the box eventually teeing up Johnson whose shot on the turn gave him the goal his performance more than merited.

Hassocks: Willett; Tighe, Marsh, Pitcher, Jacques; Price, Stokes, Bant, Collins, Davess; Johnson.

Subs: Common, Booth, Wallis (used), P Wickwar (unused).

Starman: Phil Johnson, worked tirelessly and was a constant menace to YM