Hassocks 1 Rye Utd 0
by David Menon
In a physical clash that ended with the dismissal of Rye skipper Marc Gall for allegedly spitting in the face of Hassocks defender Ashley Marsh after the final whistle, a late strike by Phil Gault was enough to settle the tie.
Players from both sides clashed on the pitch after the final whistle and Marsh had to be restrained by Hassocks skipper Joel Harding.
Gall became the fourth Rye player to be sent off in the space of a week and that figure could quite easily have been five as midfielder Duncan McArthur was lucky to stay on the pitch after shoving Gault in the face late on.
However, it must be stated that both sides generally played the game in the right spirit and there was no shortage of passion and determination. In the end the Robins deservedly ground out an impressive win.
Reflecting on the result afterwards, home boss Dave John said: "I think we deserved to win. Although it was a pretty even first half, we raised the tempo in the second half and played some good football."
As the rain continued to fall, home supporters were able to a first victory in the Beacon's magnificent new clubhouse.
The first meaningful chance was created by the hosts on eight minutes when Gault shot wide from what was arguably the best move of the afternoon. Richard Thompson delivered a superb cross that evaded keeper Harry Killick and found the outstrectched boot of Gault, who unfortunately failed to make sufficient contact.
The visitors responded well and almost took the lead in the 16th minute when only a superb challenge by veteran Mickey Turner prevented Colin Johnston playing in Allan McMinigal, who was left completely unmarked in a great shooting position.
Shortly afterwards, however, it was Hassocks who should have gone ahead when on 23 minutes the hardworking Gault failed to control the ball with his chest after Gall carelessly sent him through on goal.
For the rest of the first half chances were few and far between but Hassocks improved after the break and posed far more problems the previously defiant Rye rearguard.
Sam Fisk and Matt Amos both went close to scoring before in the 74th minute the outstanding Gault fired the ball home as the Rye defence failed to clear a corner.
Although the visitors purposefully tried to exert pressure on the Hassocks back line in the closing stages, they never really looked liked scoring.