Tooting & Mitcham United v Hastings United - Saturday 21st February 2009

Pre Match Report

“I’m Roger Sinden here at Imperial Fields Morden, where Hastings United visit Tooting and Mitcham

 Returning Hastings manager Tony Dolby has seen his charges draw their last two encounters against relegation strugglers, and certainly as far as Margate’s visit to the Pilot Field last Saturday, it was a matter of points dropped rather than a point won. Fellow strugglers Margate were bombarded in a one sided second half, but the inability to convert chances into goals meant that Rhys Whyborne was the only United scorer in a one all draw.

The inability to secure maximum points in these last two home matches has seen United drawn back towards the relegation pack and with just one third of the season left, they will need to begin to pick up key points in order to avoid a nervy finale to the season. It is an experience that Tooting and Mitcham, today’s hosts, know well and they stand one place above United, having played an extra match. Hastings were outclassed in the corresponding match at the Pilot Field  in October, when they were easily beaten by three clear goals by a strong Tooting side.

Dolby does have the benefit of the return from suspension of defender Nathan Russell. Scott Ramsay has deputised admirably during the suspension period but Russell’s return provides the opportunity for Ramsay to revert to a striking role in an effort to boost goal power. Tooting Manager Billy Smith has issued a rallying call and has urged his team to win their remaining home matches in an attempt to retain their Premier Division status, so expect a closely fought encounter this afternoon

Roger Sinden for Saturday Sport at Imperial Fields, Morden

Match Report

Tooting and Mitcham  (1) Hastings United ( 0 )

A late goal at sundrenched Imperial Fields eased the relegation worries of hosts Tooting and Mitcham but increased anxieties for the Sussex club. For the most part the game was bereft of goalmouth incident and excitement, with the home side piling on pressure on a disciplined Hastings defence. It was up front that Hastings were most disappointing and it is difficult to recall a serious goalworthy opportunity.

Nathan Russell was returned to the side after suspension but limped from the action after only 10 minutes, requiring a defensive reshuffle. Hastings goalkeeper Greg Nessling was busy  confidently fielding a succession of high crosses against the backdrop of a dangerously low sun and there appeared to be little first half danger.

Hastings attacking play relied upon the usual long ball to Frankie Sawyer but he was easily outnumbered by home defenders and rarely got quality service.

For Tooting, Adam Goode’s overhead kick on 60 minutes created confusion for Hastings, who had Spice and Gonnella booked as the tackling became more ragged. With the clock running down, and with Hastings having survived two penalty appeals, they did force three successive corners after MacLean’s shot was deflected over the bar. There was an air of inevitability on 86 minutes when a far cross from the left by Howell found Nessling backpedalling and Paul Vines close range header sent the home supporters into relieved celebrations, as Hastings saw a precious point slip away.

Roger Sinden at imperial Fields Morden  for Saturday Sport
where it finished
Tooting and Mitcham ( 1 ) Hastings United ( 0 )