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The lack of entertainment in this Non League Day clash between Newhaven and Hassocks at Fort Road was more than made up for by significant talking points surrounding both the goals in a 1-1 draw played out in front of a bumper crowd of 287.

Half price entry on the afternoon designated for celebrating everything good about the grassroots game lured in the masses, who were treated to a couple of Oscar-worthy performances a little over 24 hours before the 94th Academy Awards took place in Los Angeles.

Newhaven’s Lee Robinson was the first to flex his acting skills two minutes before half time, going to ground on the edge of the Hassocks area.

What a week for Hassocks FC.

Hassocks, in blue, in recent action at Pagham / Picture: Chris Hatton

The Robins were left perplexed when referee Daniel Jeffrey fell for the dive. To make matters worse, Hassocks were unconvincing in dealing with the resulting free kick and eventually Lucas Franzen-Jones bundled home to give the hosts the lead.

120 seconds later and an even more questionable piece of acting from Robins left back Jack Baden earned Hassocks a penalty and the chance to go into the interval level.

Baden went down as if he had been shot by a sniper from Newhaven Fort. Mr Jeffrey pointed to the spot much to the anger of the Dockers players and fans, followed by captain Jack Troak successfully converting the spot kick to restore parity.

Bad day at office for Lions.

By full time, a draw was probably the right result. Newhaven had a lot of the ball but struggled to break down a dogged Hassocks defence, coping admirably in the absence of the suspended Bradley Tighe.

Goals provide talking points as Hassocks FC hold Newhaven FC on Non League Day