Controversial penalty denies Fatboys opening day win

There was opening day heartbreak for Hassocks Fatboys Reserves as they surrendered a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 with Inpulse in a game from which they deserved more.

Jamie Stratton’s men have had a very interesting pre season programme, with three defeats and two victories. Although results have been mixed, there have been plenty of positive signs coming out of the majority of the games played, not least of which are the new additions that the club have bought in, and confidence and spirits were high going into this “home” clash with Impulse at Patcham Place.

The Fatboys team looked rather different from that which took to the field in the last competitive game six months ago, a 4-0 defeat in the Invitation Group ironically against the same opponents. Nick Clayton was handed a start in goal with 22 year old Nick Jones still out injured and the back four consisted of Pete West, Bruce Bignell, Ross Joannides and Nick Davie.

With no Reece Wickwar or Tom Pinnock, Stratton showed he was the man with the plan as he loaded the midfield with defenders Stuart Young and Jon Kelly alongside Mark Potter. The front three consisted of the ageing Simon O’Brien, Chris Clayton and Jake Graham.

Inpulse were quickest out of the blocks and had clearly rehearsed their tactics of trying to find their pacey striker at every opportunity. Joannides shackled him well however and with the organisation of Bignell alongside him, there was only one major scare early on but that was thwarted by an excellent last ditch slide tackle from Potter which even resulted in a goal kick.

Davie had endured a strange start to the game having handballed it and performed a diving header tackle when slipping over but it was his rampaging run that gave the Fatboys their first chance. It earned them a free kick which Young beautifully delivered to Potter who sent a looping header just over the bar. A similar set piece also gave Clayton a chance but he too was inches away.

It was Inpulse who took the lead and it was their pace on the break that did it, the number nine sprinting away and testing The Nick with a shot which he could only spill straight to the forward who made no mistake in smashing the rebound home.

That goal sparked the Fatboys into being even more adventurous and they began to play some excellent football, largely through Kelly who on this performance has been wasted at centre back. It was his perfect pass that set O’Brien away and he showed a shocking amount of pace for a man approaching his 40th birthday. So much pace in fact that the only way Inpulse could stop him was by tugging him down and, following a firm glare at the referee, a penalty was awarded which Clayton duly dispatched.

It was nearly 2-1 just before the break, Graham showing what an excellent signing he is by using strength and speed to get down the line. With Clayton bellowing for the pass that would have left him with a tap in, Graham instead opted to shoot himself and he got a great connection on the effort – so great in fact that it went out for a throw.

The game nearly ground to a half on the stroke of half time with the appearance of a not-so-friendly traffic warden who began dishing out tickets to any car not parked in the correct area. This caused panic, particularly to Davie who completely lost his concentration. Thankfully for Davie, sub Kenny Tinnion was on hand to go and move his car. Shame about the other seven cars… (Editors note: Davie has agreed to buy you a beer for this Kenny. Please make sure you get it off the tight bastard).

The Fatboys got the second half off to the perfect start, scoring within a matter of minutes. O’Brien was the goalscorer, latching onto a great pass from Young and unleashing a rocket of an effort. The amount of power he got into it was surprising given how ancient and frail his bones must be.

Further chances came with Kelly curling a shot just wide from distance and again Graham powered away from the defence before shooting wide. Unsurprisingly, it was Graham who was the architect of the third when his spot on through ball set O’Brien clear and the veteran striker made no mistake with the one-on-one finish.

That seemed to spur Inpulse on and The Nick did his best Jones impression by getting lobbed. Thankfully, he was able to brief a huge sigh of relief as the ball crashed into the crossbar.

There were 10 minutes left when the visitors made it 3-2, a softly conceded free kick was softly defended and a free header came back off the post and into the back of the unfortunate The Nick for an own goal. This made it four own goals in the last nine opening games of the season for both first and reserve teams. A tense last 10 was in store.

For nine of those, the Fatboys defended heroically with bodies being thrown on the line in an attempt to hold onto the three points. Then the referee decided he wished to take centre stage in proceedings – not for the first time, it must be said – and adjudged substitute Sam Wilson to have fouled the striker inside the box.

The normally calm Wilson was enraged and he continued his heated debate with the referee after the final whistle. The Inpulse striker made no mistake from the spot, grabbing this lifeline for his team by slotting home the penalty.

There was still time for the Fatboys to carve out one last chance, the new slimline Tinnion using his pace to embark on a long run down the wing where he was fouled. The resulting free kick found its way to West but he was unable to make any contact with it, possibly due to having hair in his eyes and with that the Fatboys had to settle for a draw.

Although this felt like a defeat in the changing room after, Stratton was quick to offer his praises to the side after a hard working display. He refused to comment on the performance of the officials but did manage to offend not just the appointed referee but also another referee who was inexplicably watching with his opinion of the controversial penalty decision.