Hastings United v Harlow Town - Saturday 17th January 2009

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where today Hastings United entertain Harlow Town

A frozen pitch last week saw the postponement of Dartford’s visit at the Pilot Field, but for the second successive week the Ryman fixtures have thrown up a home match. This time, fellow strugglers Harlow Town are the visitors in a match which will prove critical for both sides.

Harlow lie  just above the relegation zone and have been on a dismal run of form in recent weeks, Their win over the Christmas period against AFC Hornchurch came after seven successive defeats, which sent them in free fall in the Ryman Premier Division.

Hastings had also gone through a lean spell but a battling win a fortnight ago against  Maidstone United saw Hastings record a splendid victory through a dominant performance which could have seen more goals. Manager John Lambert, in the absence of Frankie Sawyer through illness, started with Sam Adams and Marc Whiteman up front, in a combination which seemed to work well on the day. He may well be tempted to leave well alone which would mean both Scott Ramsay and Frankie Sawyer being relegated to the bench.

The corresponding fixture at Barrows Farm Stadium saw United grab a victory with a goal in the final minute and a similar result today would ensure that there continues to be space between United and the relegation candidates.

Roger Sinden for SATURDAY SPORT the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United ( 3 )  Harlow Town  ( 2 )

The second half sending off of Hastings defender Nathan Russell sparked this game to life and the incident was followed by three quick goals and a frenzied finale. The first half was strangely muted but there were goal chances at both ends.

The visitors had the best chances to open the scoring when Jamie Richards burst clear to be thwarted by Greg Nessling. John Frendo drew a diving save from Nessling as he fired in from an acute angle and then Richards headed directly at Nessling. Despite these near misses it was Hastings who broke the deadlock when Marc Whiteman set Sam Adams up who waltzed through the Harlow defence before sliding a low shot home.

The second half saw the visitors pressing from an equaliser but leaving gaps at the back. A snap shot by Ben White on 69 minutes has Hassell leaping acrobatically to parry for a corner. Hastings momentum was thrown by the Nathan Russell sending off after an apparent off the ball incident which involved a melee involving most of the players of both sides. Referee Chris Phillips also waved two yellow cards to Whyborne  and Harlow’s Kear.

The explosive finish was surprising. Firstly Frankie Sawyer made it 2-0 when set up by Gonnella, he rounded Hassell and blasted high into the net and then Gonnella set up Matt Maclean who confidently finished in a one on one situation.

With a three goal cushion on 79 minutes Hastings seemed to be coasting but late strikes by Raphael Sylvester and Luke Webster in the dying minutes, created some anxiety with goalkeeper Nessling earning his man of the match award as a result of some significant saves.

Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for SATURDAY SPORT  where it finished
Hastings United ( 3 )  Harlow Town ( 2 )