Hassocks Res.  2  Peacehaven & T. Res.  1 

The Reserve's search for a first League win goes on after their third 1-2 defeat in a row - and not for the first time this season they were left wondering how they had finished a game empty handed.

In torrential rain, Hassocks had the better of the first 15 minutes, but once the rain started to ease, so Peacehaven came more into the game and nearly took the lead on 30 minutes. A cross from Sam Jeffery, on for the injured Joe Spencer, found Michael Page in the 6 yard box but his shot was somehow kept out by the Hassocks keeper.

Within 5 minutes Hassocks took the lead in controversial circumstances. Lawrence Robinson's run  was intercepted by Tom Bowles who appeared to make a clean tackle and put the ball out for a corner. Instead the referee awarded a penalty. Despite furious protests, the decision stood, and Daly Clarke duly fired home from the spot.

Peacehaven seemed to play with a renewed vigour after the break, and almost levelled when Darren Wall beat the offside trap and found himself one-on-one with the keeper. His shot was parried away to safety but you could sense that Peacehaven where getting closer to turning the game around.

With 20 minutes remaining, the scores where level. Michael Page was fouled outside the penalty area, and Ben Wheatland's free-kick rifled in off the underside of the bar giving him his first goal of the season.

But then Peacehaven pressed the self-destruct button. A mix-up in defence let in Lawrence Robinson who's first shot was parried by Dan McDonnell, but he was able to fire in the rebound through the desperate away defenders.

Hassocks will have been happy with their 3 points, but it was a frustrating evening for the visitors who's luck infront of goal must surely start to turn soon.

Report by Keith Parris

Peacehaven:- Mcdonnell, Wells (Panther 57), Caffrey, Barton, Bowles, Birch, Wheatland (Wiltshire 71), Powell, Page, Spencer (Jeffery 22), Wall.    Scorer:- Whealtand 70

Peacehaven Man Of The Match Michael Page