Hastings United v Heybridge Swifts - Saturday 28th February 2009

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where today Hastings United entertain Heybridge Swifts

Tony Dolby’s Hastings United side almost selects itself, despite a disappointing performance last Saturday which might have warranted a shake up this week. They finally conceded a late goal at Tooting and Mitcham in a lack lustre performance, allowing former Hastings goalkeeper Dave King to bask untroubled in the sunshine for much of the game. It is difficult to recall a decent goal bound opportunity from the Hastings side.

Hastings are now just two points outside the Premier Division relegation zone ahead of the visit from bottom-of-the-table Heybridge Swifts this afternoon. Nathan Russell limped off early from the action last Saturday and is definitely unavailable as is suspended midfielder Lee Carey

United go into the match against Heybridge having picked up only two points from a possible 15 with the knowledge that they cannot afford to drop points this afternoon against a side that is also badly out of form, having won once in only six matches.

Off the pitch United also face challenges. Recognising that the current floodlighting system is unlikely to pass the next inspection in October, the club face the daunting task of raising £25,000 urgently to allow the work to take place in the close season. Hastings supporters will obviously want to assist the cause and a great motivator would surely be a rousing win this afternoon to prompt them to dig deep into their pockets

Roger Sinden for SATURDAY SPORT the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United ( 0 )  Heybridge Swifts ( 1 )

Hastings United suffered the ultimate indignity in losing by a solitary goal to bottom side Heybridge Swifts in a sorry advertisement for Ryman  League football. Having succumbed to a defeat by a similar score last Saturday, Hastings with no wins in 6 games must be relegation contenders on this form.

It was the away side who were more determined and adventurous in an error strewn first half and after several sorties took the lead on 9 minutes. A low corner on the left was headed on at the near post and Adam Brotherton nodded home from close range. Hastings defender Josh Jirbandey was nervy all afternoon and a slip on the left let in Heybridge and Reece Morgan hit the bar. Anorak colleagues who record shots on target once again had nothing to record for Hastings in a dreary opening half.

Hastings rejigged by moving Sam Adams up front after the interval and there appeared more purpose and possibility. Antonio Gonnella, who worked tirelessly all afternoon, split the Heybridge defence wide open but Matt MacLean’s close range prod was well saved by Ollie Morris-Sanders, his first save of the game. Minutes later a low drive by Frankie Sawyer had the goalkeeper diving to parry and then quickly recovering to hold the ball. With Hastings pushing forward gaps appeared at the back, and Greg Nessling was called on to make three desperate saves as Heybridge sought to make the game safe.

Hastings Manager Tony Dolby rolled back the years with a cameo appearance towards the end and in stoppage time his shot was comfortably held by Morris-Sanders, setting up a welcome win for the league’s bottom club and increasing dissatisfaction amongst Hastings supporters.

Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for SATURDAY SPORT  where it finished
Hastings United (  0  )  Heybridge Swifts ( 1 )