LVS Hassocks FC recorded a resounding 6-2 victory in a hard fought contest against Headstart School. An outstanding team performance overcame a team littered with talented individual players. Four goals from Liam Pope and a brace for Kynan Kirlew-Wright will doubtlessly gain the plaudits, but it was the passing and spirited unity that saw the team triumph spectacularly.
Excitement was in the air as LVS Hassocks welcomed Headstart to their London Road ground. The pitch was immaculate and the weather glorious, making for a great footballing showcase. Headstart were tough opposition, as their recent first placed finish in the Brighton and Hove Albion Community League proved. Nervous energy was noticeable among the home fans as they hoped their side would not be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task ahead of them.
The whistle blew and the game burst straight into life. LVS started strongly with some great passing football. The combination play between midfielders Charlie Ries-Coward, Jack Duxbury-Watkinson, Liam Pope, and William Dunne was quite extraordinary as they kept the ball brilliantly and supplied Kynan Kirlew-Wright with some great passes. The opening goal took little over four minutes to arrive. Great interplay between William Dunne and Kynan Kirlew-Wright allowed the latter to smash the ball past the keeper from just inside the area. The fans rejoiced as Kirlew-Wright was congratulated by his team mates.
Statistically concentration can often slip just after the euphoria of scoring a goal. LVS Hassocks were determined not to make that mistake and defended with commitment and togetherness. Fantastic interceptions and tackles were made by Lee Tarron, Josh Baker, and debutant Josh Gill, as the defensive trio frustrated Headstart. Jack Duxbury-Watkinson in particular was protecting the back four superbly as he broke down many Headstart moves, and started dangerous counter attacks.
Hassocks were keeping the ball excellently and their passing continued to cause major problems for the Headstart defence. Charlie Ries-Coward unlocked the defence with a neat pass through to Liam Pope, who finished low into the bottom left corner of the net with his left foot to double his side’s advantage. The LVS captain was full of energy and his box to box running proved to be crucial in the side’s transition from defence into attack.
Heads started to drop, and anger set in amongst the away players who were struggling to get past the strong LVS defence. When they did manage to create chances they were thwarted by Joe Bedding's dependable goalkeeping. The organisation and drive was there for LVS, and they soon extended their lead. After some great build up play, the ball found itself glued to Kynan Kirlew-Wright's feet. His footwork bamboozled his marker who tripped him inside the box. It was a stone wall penalty, and the responsibility rested on the shoulders of the captain. Pope stepped up, and smashed the ball into the middle of the goal. 3-0.
Hassocks showed no signs of slowing down as they continued to battle for every ball and purposefully and precisely they passed their way through the Headstart team. Liam Pope made it four moments before half time. Pope and Kirlew-Wright combined tremendously as they dissected the opposing defence. Kirlew-Wright saw his shot blocked, before Pope calmly dispatched the rebound into the back of the net.
Half time score, 4-0.
The second half was a far more even contest with valuable game time given to all LVS squad members, and a greatly improved Headstart performance. Gregor Sumner entered the fray and his enthusiasm excited the fans. He seemed to be everywhere, such was his hunger for the ball. It was this kind of determination that the whole team showed, allowing LVS to resist a Headstart comeback. Brave tackles and timely clearances were vital as LVS dug deep.
Headstart didn't top the league by chance at the recent tournament. They possess a number of talented players with great skill. They grabbed a lifeline just less than ten minutes into the second half. Their much improved passing created an opening and allowed their breaking midfielder to slot the ball into the net to reduce the deficit.
LVS fans could be forgiven if they started to feel concerned for their side, as they were witnessing a different Headstart display in the second half. They needn't have worried however, as Liam Pope restored their four goal advantage. Jack Duxbury-Watkinson broke up a Headstart attack and played a great ball over the top. Pope outpaced the defence and strode forward, before thumping the ball into the goal.
George Harris and Callum McCree were introduced as Manager David Jones looked to add fresh legs to his side. Harris held the ball up well, and linked well with his colleagues. McCree was deployed as a defender and he tackled strongly and cleared the ball well from dangerous areas. Headstart did find the net, but the assistant referee held aloft his flag, and the goal was ruled out for offside.
That scare was a sign of things to come as Joe Bedding made several top class saves to keep the ball out of his goal. A save that will live long in the memory was when a fizzing shot from distance was superbly diverted round the post by Bedding's outstretched fingertips. His command of the penalty area was fantastic as he came out and smothered the ball regularly.
Eventually Hassocks conceded. After multiple blocked efforts, the ball was cut back to the edge of the box, and the Headstart captain swept the ball into the back of the net, leaving fifteen minutes for his side to find three goals. A tough ask considering the solid defensive performances from the LVS side. The counter attacks from LVS were still providing a major threat, and the game had hardly turned into one way traffic. Hassocks were more than holding their own, and they created plenty of chances of their own. The opposing goalkeeper had to be agile to keep out some good shots.
Cameron Ellis and Billy Tommey took to the stage as LVS looked to finish the game in style. Ellis made some quite unbelievable saves as he kept out Headstart. Tommey played some neat passes and made crucial interceptions in the midfield. The result was put beyond doubt when some beautiful football led to a powerful finish. Lee Tarron played the ball to Liam Pope down the right flank, he centred the ball to Kynan Kirlew-Wright. The skilful striker took a touch and then lashed the ball into the net. 6-2.
Cameron Ellis tipped the ball onto the woodwork as Headstart still searched for goals. Liam Pope was then thwarted by the woodwork at the other end as LVS countered. A couple of frustrated Headstart players then let their side down. They were staring a footballing defeat in the face, and unfortunately couldn't manage their disappointment resulting in a nasty scuffle. All the LVS players were a credit to the school and remained calm despite stupidity from one player in particular. The Headstart staff were told that the culprit was not to return to the field and play resumed. The game calmed down and ended on a positive note as players were shaking hands at the final whistle.
LVS Hassocks FC 6-2 Headstart
LVS Hassocks captain was proud of his players after the game. Pope: "The whole team played brilliantly. We passed the ball so well and not one person had a bad game. We deserved to win because we played so well as a team. We have been training hard and a win like this is a great reward for all the hard work. I am really proud of all the players."
Man of the match Jack Duxbury-Watkinson was also pleased with the result. Jack: "Winning by scoring so many goals and playing so well as a team was great. We really wanted it, and had to work hard. Headstart are a good team, but we passed so well and really deserved the win."
LVS Hassocks will be hoping to replicate such a fine team performance when they face St Mary's on June 14th.
