17 February 2008
Hassocks Ladies did not expect to get anything from their game at Petts Wood but they came away with something far more important than the 4-1 loss. On a day that injuries and holidays left Hassocks with just ten players available to start, five of whom were defenders there were further problems as reserve keeper Charlotte Deeley was recovering from a serious road accident in which her car was written off and she could not raise her arms above shoulder height because of a chest injury but whilst she bravely insisted on playing outfield an experienced winger Colette Barry had to be sacrificed to go in goal for the first time. With so many players out of position and some bizarre refereeing decisions it was no surprise that by 5 minutes into the second half Hassocks were 3-0 down but then after a 4.1/2 hour drive from Hull, Alex Southgate arrived and the transformation of having 11 players was immediate. Petts Wood were on the back foot and Southgate scored a cracking goal within 5 minutes of her arrival. Petts Wood believe they will be promoted this season and yet apart from a skewed cross which sailed in over Barry's head they lacked the quality to trouble the Hassocks goal in the second half. Hassocks had received a 7 day notice from Petts Wood on the day before the game for striker Katie Harding who left them in no doubt about her thoughts on that. Harding's loyalty, Deeley's bravery and Southgate's commitment together with the battling qualities of the whole team which has been rebuilt this season are exactly what Hassocks are all about so the loss of one game in such circumstances is of no consequence. Hassocks will be back to a full strength squad for their game at Chichester on Sunday.
Team:
Colette Barry,
Roanna Simmons,
Amy Hooper,
Alison Dudley,
Sam Newman,
Charlotte Deeley,
Laura Turner,
Sonya Nye,
Elly Bryan,
Katie Harding,
Alex Southgate
Scorers:
Alex Southgate