Late double salvo saves Stratton’s job

There was delight all round as Hassocks Fatboys earned their first win in six games, defeating rivals Amici Athletic 4-2 in the Mid Sussex Derby and lifting some of the pressure that had built on manager Jamie Stratton.

It was a much improved performance from the men in green (editors note – Davie, both teams wear green) and you could see how much local bragging rights meant to the squad and Stratton by their wild celebrations at the full time whistle.

Stratton made a few changes from the side who tasted defeat last time out in the cup against The View, some would say enforced, others would say as a result of tactical genius, others would say out of desperation. The headline move was lining up with a front three of centre back Jon Kelly, central midfielder Tommy Tyler and first team full back Rob Lloyd.

There were also returns to the starting line up for Kevin Ticehurst and Bruce Bignell and all the changes seemed to effect the way the Fatboys began the game as they were slow out the blocks, leading Amici to have the first chance when a young midfielder danced his way through but his shot wasn’t troubling 22-year-old Nick Jones.

Lloyd was justifying his promotion from the first team with a number of strong runs and he nearly scored from one, drawing a comfortable save from the Amici keeper after Stuart Young had played him in.

It was Amici who drew first blood however, some typically slack defending saw the men in green (editors note – Davie, both teams wear green) fail to clear effectively with the result being a long range shot that took a deflection to wrong foot Jones, leaving the Fatboys 1-0 down.

Despite falling behind, the Fatboys were still putting in 100% with Sam Wilson and Mark Potter in particular covering plenty of ground.

The men in green (editors note – Davie, both teams wear green) almost got their rewards for this effort when they nearly levelled things up just before half time. Captain Reece Wickwar worked the ball to Kelly who used his legs the size of tree trunks to bulldoze through the Amici defence, but his shot went just wide.

The Fatboys really came out of the blocks in the second half, picking up exactly where they left off with Wickwar trying his luck from range to draw a great save from the Amici keeper. It wasn’t long before the men in green (editors note – Davie, both teams wear green) were level, Lloyd playing in Tyler who made no mistake to net the equaliser from an acute angle for his first goal for the club.

Things weren’t level for too long as the Fatboys concentration levels dropped and from their next attack, Amici were back ahead, breaking down the left and putting in a cross that was gobbled up by the striker for 2-1. Stratton was back in heartbreak hotel.

That goal seemed to galvanise the Fatboys and they went on the attack playing some free flowing football (yes, really) with Tyler and Lloyd causing plenty of problems down their respective wings, aided by full backs Nick Davie and Jules Clay – on as a substitute – who had been given licence to attack.

This bold approach paid dividends as an equaliser duly arrived. Tyler found Kelly who played a first time pass to set Wickwar through on goal and the captain made no mistake to level things up and leave both sides 15 minutes in which to try and win the game.

Stratton made his intentions to do so clear as Kenny Tinnion and Glen Clayton were introduced to pule on the pressure and it was Clayton who straight away had a chance, only to be denied by a brilliant save from the Amici goalkeeper.

At this point there looked like only winner and with five minutes left on the clock, the men in green (editors note – Davie, both teams wear green) finally took the lead for the first time in the tie. Amici only half cleared a loose ball and it fell to Lloyd out wide and on the edge of the box who decided to try his luck on the half volley. The result was stunning as the ball flew into the top right corner. While his team mates mobbed him, Lloyd remained as calm as ever which is exactly what you expect from someone who works for the government.

Amici reacted instantly, throwing their big defenders forward in an attempt to wrestle something back from the game. As a result, the Fatboys had to be on red alert and they were, Davie smashing a ball clear which Tyler sensibly ran into the corner where, with the assistance of Wickwar, he managed to win a corner.

Wickwar’s delivery was inch perfect to fidn Tinnion who rose like a salmon to head home and make the game safe with seconds remaining. Tinnion was bundled to the ground by his team mates whilst Davie made a beeline to give Stratton a hug. Stratton himself completely lost his mind – in a good way, for once – flying over the kit bags and nearly breaking his neck. Thankfully, he lived to tell the tale.

The Fatboys had to compose themselves for a few more seconds which they duly did to secure a big three points that could turn their season around. Mid Sussex is green! (editors note – Davie, both teams wear green)