Hastings United v Tonbridge Angels - Saturday 27th December 2008

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where today Hastings United  entertain Tonbridge Angels

Hastings United’s first ever competitive match was against Tonbridge in 1948, so it is apt, as the end of the year approaches sixty years on, that Tonbridge are the visitors. Fortune has ebbed and flowed over the years between these local rivals and it is Tonbridge who are currently in the ascendency. Lying in third place in the Ryman Premier they are a good bet for a play off place, helped of course by their recruitment of former popular Hastings goalkeeper Lee Worgan, and goal scorers Ade Olorunda and Carl Rook.

In contrast it has been a difficult December for United, who have been without a win during the month and for the most part the period has been characterised by defensive nightmares. Last Saturday’s visit to Harrow Borough was a scrappy affair but a one all draw at least ensured a single point for the month’s endeavours which has also brought elimination from the Sussex Senior Cup and Ryman League Cup. Once again Frankie Sawyer notched the all important goal, with United’s game plan clearly dependent upon playing the long ball for Sawyer to chase.

What is evident is that  free scoring Tonbridge will provide a stern test this afternoon before what should be a healthy crowd for this holiday encounter.

Roger Sinden for SATURDAY SPORT the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United ( 0 )  Tonbridge (  1 )

The speed of Lewis Hamilton was a decisive factor in Hastings United’s undoing at a chilly Pilot Field. For once it was not the Formula One Champion but namesake Tonbridge defender who stole the limelight. His goal on 42 minutes was the difference in the score line, but in truth this game was not as close as the score suggests.

Hastings conceded a number of corners in the opening exchanges and goalkeeper Greg Nessling looked decidedly vulnerable to crosses in the swirling wind. Hastings began to make their mark in response, relying as usual on the occasional break from speedy striker Frankie Sawyer.

On 28 minutes Hastings experienced a let off when a lofted free kick from the left flank struck a post with Nessling stranded, rebounding to Ade Olorunda.The former Hastings player skied high over the bar. The decisive goal  from Hamilton, just before the break, saw the Tonbridge defender make progress on the left flank before curling the ball in from an acute angle off the far post. Just before the interval Sawyer broke clear and his blocked shot fell to Ramsay might have done better with a wayward shot towards the unguarded net.

For much of the second half a composed Tonbridge side looked comfortable and there were few Hastings efforts that caused consternation. Ben White came close on 60 minutes when he swivelled and shot in the area, for Worgan to acrobatically palm away. Sam Adams should have done better with a free kick on the edge of the area, but apart from that there was little to cheer the frozen home crowd.

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