By Scott McCarthy
It has been football, but not as we know it. Hassocks football club have spent April playing behind closed doors in the Southern Combination League’s Supplementary Shield, a competition designed to give clubs six more matches at the end of a campaign curtailed due to the winter lockdown costing four months of the season. And, in classic Hassocks style, the Robins have saved some of their best performances and results for when fans cannot be present.
Despite being the lowest ranked team in Group C, Hassocks went into their final game with a chance of qualifying for the semi finals as group winners following an excellent run of form. Their most impressive result was easily the 3-1 win over Horley Town achieved in their second fixture. You may remember – or you may have chosen to forget – that Hassocks suffered a club-record 8-0 home defeat last time they faced the Clarets, who were the favourites to win the Premier Division title before the regular season was called off.
To effect a 10-goal swing in six months is pretty extraordinary, even by Hassocks’ high standards of veering from the sublime to the ridiculous in double-quick time. The Robins also took four points from Crawley Down Gatwick, who were sixth when the campaign was cancelled.
When the competition was announced, Hassocks boss Dave John (pictured) said he wanted to use it to give his young players a chance to build some momentum ahead of the 2021-22 season. They have certainly done that and providing John can keep this squad together, then their achievements in the Supplementary Shield bode well.
There has been one other reason for their impressive performances: Pat Harding. With the Isthmian League opting not to resume, the Burgess Hill Town striker has been free to turn out for Hassocks, the club where he began his career 20-odd years ago and for whom he dual-signs every season.
Harding has five goals from five games, including passing the 200 appearances mark for the club. That no supporters have had the opportunity to see one of the most popular players in Hassocks history back in the red shirt is arguably the most disappointing aspect about empty grounds. Fans may have missed out on Harding, but his impact on the Robins has shown that they are one quality, experienced striker away from having a very good team next season.
Suddenly, the future looks very bright for when the Beacon can welcome supporters back, hopefully in the summer.