Miles’ treble keeps the Robins on song at Lancing

Miles hit a hat-trick for the visitors who continue to keep pace with leaders East Preston, while Lancing remain in the bottom three in Division 1.

On the evidence of this display, though, it is surely only a matter of time before Lancing begin to climb the table as, at times, they more than matched their second-placed visitors.

Lancing almost went ahead in fortuitous fashion in the ninth minute when Jonno Melia’s speculative cross was fumbled on to the post by Hassocks keeper Jack Simpson. Melia then had an effort ruled out for offside and Bradley Bant fired a volley over in a bright start for Lancers.

It was Hassocks, though, who went ahead just before the half-hour as Nathan Cooper picked out Miles, who effortlessly turned his marker and cracked home a curling effort into the top corner.

Lancers started the second half as they had began the first and went close twice in as many minutes through Ryan Waterman and Charlie Romain.

The Robins then should have doubled their lead through Phil Gault, who was first denied by James Shaw and then put the rebound over after Anthony Hibbert had squared to him.

It was only a temporary reprieve, though, as Hassocks did go 2-0 ahead on the hour through Miles’ close-range finish when he slotted in a Jamie Hillwood pass.

The striker completed his hat-trick and sealed victory for his side when Hibbert had an effort saved and he followed up to score in the 66th minute.

The home side pulled a goal back when Waterman headed in a Matt Carruthers cross and they almost set up a frantic finish but Michael Sims’ well-hit drive swerved just over.

Lancers manager Richard Whittington said: “Nathan Miles was the difference, he ensured they took their chances whereas we didn’t, he won the game for them on his own.

“It’s something we’re looking to address as we’re playing well but not scoring enough, Alex Howell has gone back to Eastbourne Town and Dom Shepherd and Charlie Romain aren’t fit yet.

“I thought we matched them at times, our build-up play was excellent, we’re improving week on week and just need that little bit more cutting edge.”