Troak’s double gives Hassocks victory at Crawley Down Gatwick

A goal in each half from captain Jack Troak, either side of a strike from Omar Abdsami, secured the points for the Robins.

The visitors made a lively start and Abdsami drove forward and forced the Crawley Down defence to clear behind for a corner. He delivered the resulting ball into the box, but the hosts dealt with the danger.

Crawley Down had the first clear sight of goal when Rhys White struck an effort towards goal, only for the Hassocks goalkeeper to make a comfortable save.

Hassocks soon made their own chance count. A ball into the area found Troak, who met it with a powerful header to put the Robins ahead.

The goal lifted the tempo, with play moving from end to end.

Troak almost doubled the lead when he connected with a dangerous cross from Charlie Bonwick-Adams, but his forceful effort crashed against the crossbar.

Hassocks threatened again from a free kick in a central position just outside the box. Dan Turner sent in the delivery, though the Crawley Down defence cleared their lines.

The home side responded strongly after the interval. Oli Leslie did well to set up White, who finished past the Hassocks keeper to make it 1–1 and bring Crawley Down back into the contest.

Hassocks’ reply came through Abdsami. Lewis Croal laid the ball off to him, and Abdsami slotted it past the Crawley Down keeper to restore the visitors’ advantage.

There was more drama soon afterwards when Crawley Down were reduced to ten men. Referee Thomas Murray showed Josh Alder a red card following an incident involving Harvey Black.

Troak then struck for the second time, putting Hassocks 3-1 ahead and securing all three points. Crawley Down had fought back to level early in the second half, but the Robins’ response proved decisive as they followed up their previous win with another victory on the road.

The result left Hassocks fourth in the table, CDG 12th.