MATCH REPORT: VETERANS vs HASSOCKS FATBOYS

Rotherfield Vets opened their 2026/27 season at the Recreation Ground with a squad of sixteen, despite a further sixteen players being unavailable for a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, the group assembled was strong enough to approach the game with optimism, helped by an excellent playing surface—much improved from the hard, beige pitch seen in the final pre‑season friendly thanks to recent rainfall.

This fixture was the first competitive meeting with Hassocks Fatboys since last season, when both scheduled matches were awarded as walkovers, one to each side. Early confidence was further boosted when Hassocks arrived with only twelve players.

Unfortunately, the match itself did not reflect that optimism.

From the outset, Hassocks demonstrated that, despite their smaller squad, they were well‑organised, disciplined, and effective in their pressing. Rotherfield struggled to find rhythm, with a lack of pace, misplaced passes and general rustiness contributing to sustained pressure from the visitors.

Hassocks took the lead within the first ten minutes and then capitalised on a difficult spell for Rotherfield, a mad ten-minute spell saw us fall behind 0-4 after 25 minutes with each Hassocks attack causing significant problems.

Just as Rotherfield began to gain a foothold and retain the ball more effectively, Hassocks added a fifth goal on the stroke of half‑time to make it 0–5. It was, by any measure, a first half to forget.

Rotherfield made three changes at the interval, introducing Burton, Harkness and Ashton in place of Cullum, Kemp and Fuller in an attempt to stabilise the performance and regain some control.

However, hopes of a turnaround were quickly dashed. An early deflected effort extended Hassocks’ lead to 0–6, and although Rotherfield created some improved opportunities as the half progressed, the visitors remained sharper and more clinical in front of goal.

Two further goals for Hassocks completed a comprehensive victory, with the final scoreline reading:

Rotherfield Vets 0 – 8 Hassocks Fatboys

One to forget and we go again on Sunday 20th vs Steyning Town Vets at Rotherfield where will be hoping to deliver a significantly improved performance.

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