Hassocks ladies in seventh heaven

Hassocks started as if they meant business by dominating the game with their fluent passing game, starting from the back and through the midfield trio of Liz King, Layla Allan and Gemma Godber with Emma Wickham and Lottie Arnold especially dangerous on the wings. It was no surprise when Hassocks took the lead with a sharp finish by Katie Harding and the lead was extended shortly afterwards with another calm finish by Harding.

Surprisingly, against the run of play, Hemel Hempstead reduced the deficit with an excellent individual goal, but this did not deter Hassocks who restored their two goal advantage shortly afterwards with a neat finish by Arnold.

Godber added a fourth enabling Hassocks to reach half-time 4-1 ahead, a score which to be slightly over critical, could have been doubled with a bit of luck and calmer finishing.

Hassocks maintained the pressure after half-time with Katie Harding reaching her hat-trick with a ferocious volley from outside the area which gave the keeper no chance. Hassocks’ domination was demonstrated with manager able to make three substitutions without affecting the way Hassocks were playing. Laura Turner and Franci Heaseman took over the reins in midfield and Natalie Skiverton made several good runs on the left.

A sixth goal was scored by Heaseman shortly followed by a seventh from Emma Wickham to complete the scoring.

Overall, this was an excellent performance which showed that Hassocks can compete at this higher level. As well as the creative midfield and decisive finishing, the defence of Joanne Peacock, Emma Perkins, Claire Stevens and Chloe John restricted Hemel Hempstead to few chances although a header near the end struck the post and had to be cleared off the line. Keeper Lauren Dolbear who had been excellent in the previous two games didn’t have too much to do this time, although her kicking and confidence in dealing with back passes stood out.