LINGERS PRODUCE PROUD DISPLAY DESPITE AGONISING LAST GASP CUP EXIT

Lingfield fans feared the worst being pitted against Mick Jewell’s strong Sussex County League Division One second-placed hosts, but a patched up side provided hope for a bright club future in this delayed fixture.

Indeed, captain David Dean junior, nicknamed Alfie, inspired his side to take a shock 24th minute lead, rifling home a superb 30-yard free-kick inside the far post, giving goalkeeper Jack Simpson no chance. Dean was later cautioned for a foul after 40 minutes.

The Lingers were in dreamland after 29 minutes, leading 2-0 when Joel Amos followed a slick run by shooting home past Simpson from close range.

Two minutes later Hassocks were stung into action, replying through star striker Phil Gault’s looping header following newcomer Craig Knowles’ cross from the right, giving goalkeeper Scott Millar no chance, although the talented youth team custodian produced a string of superb saves.

Hassocks were cursing their luck immediately after the interval when Dan Smith’s shot rebounded to safety off the crossbar from the restart.

The Robins equalised eventually after 77 minutes, Jay Kalama being cautioned by impressive referee David Barnard following a foul in the box on Smith, Gault just beating Millar, who went the right way, from the resultant penalty to complete his brace.

With extra-time and a possible penalty shoot-out looming, Hassocks snatched a hard-earned success in the fourth of five additional minutes as Jamie Ingham burst through and fired home via the far post, beating Millar who, along with the remainder of his team-mates, could hold their heads high despite bowing out in such cruel circumstances.

By David Groves