East Grinstead Town delivered a stunning performance at Clayton Recreation Ground on 10 November 2024, securing an emphatic 11-1 victory against Hassocks Juniors U14 Falcons in a cup away match. The match kicked off at 10:15 am and saw East Grinstead dominate from the outset, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline throughout the 70 minutes of play.
East Grinstead Town lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for rapid transitions into attack. Josh Goody took his position in goal, with a back four comprising Mason Terry on the right, Adam Bannister and Sam Gadd as central defenders, and Mason Malone on the left. The midfield was structured with Toby Broughton and Tom Piper on the flanks, while Logan Cooney and Bobby Lindsay operated centrally. Up front, Haydon Davis and Max Dodson formed a potent strike partnership, expected to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition.
The substitutes for East Grinstead included Charlie Walton, Dexter Sudbury, and Tommy Clarabut, who would be ready to make an impact as the match progressed.
The scoring opened early in the match when Haydon Davis found the net in the fifth minute, converting a precise cross from Tom Piper with his right foot from inside the box. Just two minutes later, Davis struck again, this time benefiting from a short pass by Toby Broughton, showcasing a well-coordinated team move that left the Hassocks defence scrambling.
East Grinstead continued to apply pressure, and in the 14th minute, Toby Broughton added his name to the scoresheet, scoring from close range after another excellent cross from Tom Piper. The relentless assault on the Hassocks goal saw East Grinstead further extend their lead in the 23rd minute, with Tom Piper scoring with his left foot, assisted by Haydon Davis with a long pass.
Hassocks Juniors managed to pull one back in the 26th minute, scoring from inside the box with a left-footed effort, but this only served to momentarily halt East Grinstead's momentum. Haydon Davis quickly restored the four-goal cushion in the 30th minute, converting a penalty after being fouled in the area, before completing his hat-trick just four minutes later, capitalising on a defensive mistake to score from close range.
As the first half drew to a close, East Grinstead made a tactical substitution, bringing on Dexter Sudbury for Sam Gadd and Max Dodson for Haydon Davis, both of whom had made significant contributions to the scoreline.
The second half began with East Grinstead maintaining their dominance, and Tom Piper struck again in the 41st minute, scoring from a set piece with a left-footed shot after a long pass from Logan Cooney. Adam Bannister then got in on the act, scoring a solo goal in the 48th minute, showcasing his skill and determination.
Bobby Lindsay made it 8-1 in the 57th minute, tapping in from close range after a free kick, with Max Dodson providing the assist. The substitutions continued as Tommy Clarabut replaced Mason Malone and Sam Gadd returned to the pitch, this time taking the place of Logan Cooney.
Max Dodson then scored in the 61st minute, finding the net with a right-footed shot inside the box, assisted by Logan Cooney, who had just returned to the pitch. The onslaught continued, and in the 68th minute, Toby Broughton capped off a remarkable individual performance by scoring from outside the box, courtesy of a short pass from Dexter Sudbury.
The match concluded with East Grinstead Town celebrating a resounding 11-1 victory, a testament to their attacking flair and tactical superiority. Tom Piper was undoubtedly the standout performer, orchestrating play from the midfield and contributing significantly to the scoreline.
