Hastings United v Billericay - Saturday 19th September 2009

Pre Match Report

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

Last Saturday’s elimination from the FA Cup at the first hurdle bat Farnborough was disappointing but not unexpected. Farnborough are an ambitious club, with a healthy playing budget and an impressive ground. Hastings were by no means overawed and had the better of the opening exchanges and had some of those earlier goal chances gone in, the result may well have been different. In the second half United’s stubborn resistance was eventually broken down and two goals from the home side appeared to have sealed the tie. A late goal from Ade Olorunda paved the way for a storming finale and the same player almost forced a replay in stoppage time.

The old adage is that cup elimination enables a club to concentrate on the league, and that becomes a reality when Billericay visit the Pilot Field this afternoon. This is the first of an Essex double with an away trip in the offing on Tuesday night to Canvey Island. For this afternoon’s match Rhys Whyborne is eligible after his one match suspension and Antonio Gonella has returned to the squad having briefly left the club at the end of last season.

Billericay were fortunate to have made progress in the FA Cup last week by eliminating AFC Hornchurch and will be full of confidence for today’s encounter against a United side currently placed  a heady fourth in the division.

Roger Sinden for SATURDAY SPORT the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United ( 1 )  Billericay Town ( 1 )

An equaliser deep into stoppage time by Tim Olorunda gave United the point they deserved but which towards the end did not look like getting. It was a goal tinged with controversy with the visitors claiming that “The Hand of God” may have been involved.

After an even opening period, Hastings began to command the first half, forcing nine corners in all, but failing to make any of them count. Billericay were penned into their own half for much of that period with Nathan Russell on two occasions being the culprit for missing chances. Once he headed over the bar, the second he completely missed a free header.

On 17 minutes Ade Olorunda was unlucky to see his shot strike goalkeeper Andy Walker on the legs and rebound clear. Just before the break it was the turn of Sam Adams to go close, forcing a diving save from Walker who then parried the follow up.

If Hastings impressed in the first half they fell away badly in the second. Passing became erratic and initial urgency evaporated. The visitors gradually took control and on 77 minutes substitute Bily Bricknell opened the scoring. He received the ball from mid field and swept it in from 12 yards. Billericay ran the clock down and yet inexplicably conceded a goal in stoppage time. A free kick on the left flank by Lee Carey found the net through a crowd of players with Tim Olorunda getting the final touch. Referee Ben Knight was the focus of angry comment as it was suggested that a hand may have been involved in securing a vital point for United.

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