SLIDESHOW: Last minute penalty denies Hassocks three vital points

Tom Davess tripped Alex Fair in the area after a frantic goalmouth scramble and Fair himself beat George Willett from 12 yards so give the visitors a share of the spoils.

It was probably a fair result on reflection as Hassocks defended well throughout and with great character after taking the lead in just the second minute of the contest.

The lively Phil Johnson scampered down the right and his excellent cross was volleyed into the net from the marauding Dan Stokes from ten yards out to give the Robins the perfect start.

Lancing responded with close efforts from Fair and the pacy Lewis Finney whilst at the other end Kieran O’Callaghan just failed to get his head onto a Mark Price free kick and Nathan Miles fired over twice from the angle.

Bradley Bant then tested Darren Ford low down to his right as an entertaining first half of football drew to a close.

Dan Jacques replaced the injured Ian Simpson at half time, Nick Pitcher reverting to centre half in the reshuffle.

Price played in Miles for an early second half chance but again he was wayward with his finishing.

Willett, who’s handling was impeccable throughout, did well to deny Fair in a one on one situation and when the Hassocks stopper was beaten by Finney’s shot after a mazy run the post came to his and the Robins’ rescue.

Hassocks almost doubled their advantage on 82 minutes but Stokes’s effort just flew wide of the upright before the last minute penalty agony denied Hassocks a precious win.

The draw means it is just two defeats in eight for Dave John’s side as they look to turn the corner following a troubling start to the campaign.

They take a break from league action this weekend when Southern Counties East outfit Ashford United visit the Beacon in the second round of the FA Vase with a 3pm kick off.

Victory against their high flying Kent opponents would see the Robins into the third round of the national competition for the first time in the clubs history.

Hassocks: Willett; Pitcher, Marsh, I Simpson, Davess; Stokes, O’Callaghan, Bant, Price; Johnson, Miles.

Subs: Jacques (I Simpson 45), Rose (Price 67), Collins (Miles 85), Booth, P Wickwar (unused).

Starman: Phil Johnson who was at the heart of most good things Hassocks created.