Golds beat Hassocks to reach semi-finals

Michael Hendrick netted the only goal of the game after 11 minutes and Golds manager Mark Bennett hopes his side will now get the credit he feels they deserve.

Bennett’s County League Division 2 side have now beaten four of the current top six in Division 1, after victories over Redhill, Pagham and Ringmer earlier in the season.

He said: “I now hope people start giving Littlehampton players credit, as that is now the fourth side in the top six of Division 1 that they have beaten.”

In an entertaining cup-tie, Littlehampton took the lead in the 11th minute when Jason Jarvis picked out Hendrick with an excellent cross, and the latter slotted home.

In the 18th minute, Golds were awarded a penalty when Danny Hand was fouled in the box, however, his brother, Mitchell, saw his spot-kick saved by Simon Lehky in the Hassocks goal.

Hendrick then volleyed over, before Danny Hand’s free kick was saved by Lehky in the 35th minute.

Hassocks’ Nathan Miles was dangerous all game and his first real chance of the game came in the 41st minute. He ghosted through Littlehampton’s defence only to see his shot saved excellently by Jon Hendrick in the home side’s goal.

Miles was in the action once more in the 61st minute when he hit the bar.

Three minutes later, Littlehampton forward Jarvis beat the offside trap but Lehky was on hand to deny him from close range.

Jon Hendrick denied Miles twice more in the space of eight minutes to ensure his side kept their lead and Littlehampton were always a threat on the counter-attack.

Bennett added: “I thought the first 45 minutes was the best we have played in three months.”

Golds will meet St Francis, Horsham YMCA or Crowborough in the semi-finals.

LITTLEHAMPTON: J.Hendrick; Wiggans, Bates, McKay, M.Hand; Kew, Thompson, Garnham, M.Hendrick; Jarvis, D.Hand. Subs: Gaskin (M.Hendrick 71); Rayner (Jarvis 79), O’Callaghan, Manning, Peacock.