Cray Wanderers v Hastings United - Saturday 29th August 2009

Pre Match Report

“I’m Roger Sinden here at Hayes Lane, Bromley where Hastings United visit Cray Wanderers

Hastings United kick started their season at the fourth attempt on Tuesday night with a single goal victory at Bognor Regis with Lee Carey notching the all important goal. The win came as some relief to Hastings Supporters who had become anxious about only having taken one point from the opening three fixtures.

Last Saturday it was a different story and an impressive table topping Dartford side, which has now taken maximum points from four matches, easily brushed United aside with a three goal to one victory at the Pilot Field. Matt Maclean scored the consolation goal for United.

Today’s visit to Cray Wanderers sees opposition who were promoted last season from Ryman Division 1. Cray have a similar playing record to United for the first four games, so an even match seems likely. Manager Tony Dolby returns to a club where he was playing last season so should be familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of some of their squad.

 Defender Sean Ray limped from the action last Saturday, making way for Scott Ramsay to take his place at the heart of the defence, and late fitness decisions will ultimately shape the final line up. Tim Olorunda has assumed the role of United captain, enabling Rhys Whyborn to focus now on his own game rather than assuming a wider responsibility. This is a game where United should expect to come away with at least a point.

Match Report

Cray Wanderers  ( 1 ) Hastings United ( 2 )

Having coasted into a two goal lead by half time, and looking supremely comfortable, Hastings fell away badly in the second half and will perhaps consider themselves fortunate to have taken all three points. It was certainly the proverbial game of two halves and Cray rarely bothered goalkeeper Nessling in the opening forty five minutes. Hastings were a goal up on 19 minutes when Elford’s inch perfect cross was headed home powerfully from close range by Ade Olorunda and further chances fell  to Carey and Adams.
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The inevitable second goal seemed to have sewn the game up. Again Ade Olorunda was the scorer, this time from Carey’s free kick when he netted via the underside of the bar. Hastings perhaps rested upon their laurels and frankly had a nightmare second half. They seemed to defend too deeply and had little apparent ambition to extend their lead.

 Nevertheless their goal was rarely endangered and when Cray pulled one back on 73 minutes, it cams as some surprise. A cross from the right evaded two defenders and was headed home by Brewer inside the post. This stung Hastings into an immediate counter attack and Carey was guilty of missing when put straight through. On 85 minutes Rhys Whyborn fouled Scott Kinch in the area, a clear penalty and being the last man, Whyborn was dismissed. Power’s low penalty was blocked by Nessling and Power, following up, struck the bar when a simple tap would have been sufficient. So Hastings survived, despite a poor half and made it two wins on the trot. Cray were more arousing in the second half but with Willy and Lover on by then, that was to be expected!

Roger Sinden at Hayes Lane Bromley for Saturday Sport where it finished
Cray Wanderers ( 1  ) Hastings United (  2  )