Mussels 'perfectly prepared' for crucial clash - O'Toole

Southern Combination League Premier Division leaders Mussels made it five successive league wins with a 5-0 success at AFC Uckfield Town on Saturday.

Joe Shelley struck twice, while Rob O’Toole then substitutes Scott Packer and Tom Burton all netted to ensure Shoreham remained five points clear at the summit.

Mussels’ nearest challengers, Haywards Heath in second, kept up the pressure after seeing off second-from-bottom Wick.

The top two meet at Middle Road on Saturday and Bryan O’Toole insists the pressure is firmly on the team in second.

He said: “They have got to come at us and get the win.

“My mentality is always to go out and win a game –which is what I’ll be doing on Saturday – but a point is not a bad return for us.

“It’s going to be a massive game and I have no doubt Haywards Heath will be throwing everything at us.

“We blew them away with a stunning second half performance when we met earlier in the season, so we know we can hurt them.

“It’s just about us focusing on ourselves and performing how I know we can.”

Mussels served up a solid display on their way to putting five past Uckfield on Saturday.

Shelley bagged his first Shoreham goal after three minutes, heading home Jamie Cradock’s free-kick.

Rob O’Toole then made it 2-0 as Shoreham doubled their lead on the half-hour mark.

Mussels all but had the points secured three minutes into first half stoppage-time when Shelley headed home a Cradock set-piece once again.

Substitutes Packer and Burton struck in the second period as Shoreham scored five for the third time in their five league games.

A stunning five game run has seen Mussels net 22 times and concede just once on their way to taking 15 points from a possible 15.

Shoreham boss Bryan O’Toole feels his side are hitting their straps at just the right time.

He said: “We were brilliant again at Uckfield. The only disappointing factor was we did not score more.”

Both Rob O’Toole and Joe Keehan have dual-signed with Ryman League Premier Division outfit Burgess Hill.

Keehan started for Hillians in their clash against Harlow Town last Tuesday, while Rob O’Toole appeared as a substitute.

Mussels boss Bryan O’Toole has no issue with the deal and is happy to help out Burgess Hill manager Ian Chapman.

He said: “Ian enquired about their availability and both Joe and Rob have dual-signed. I’ve got no issue with it as Ian has helped us a great deal this season.

“Both Joe and Rob could be playing higher and it’s good for them to be playing at that level, while still featuring for us as well.”

SHOREHAM: Heyburn; Hartley, Pearson, O’Hagan, Dryer; Shelley, O’Toole, J.Keehan; Donaldson, Pamment, Cradock. Subs: Packer (Donaldson, 45), Burton (Shelley, 65), Laing (J.Keehan, 70), Martin, Kneller.

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