Hastings United v Cray Wanderers - Saturday 5th December 2009

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where today Hastings United  entertain Cray Wanderers

Hastings will be looking to return to winning ways following a reversal by 4-2 at Sussex rivals Horsham last Saturday. Having taken a first half lead Hastings looked as though they were destined for better things but two quick goals just before the break set the home side up for victory. Ade Olorunda and Lee Carey were the Hastings goal scorers.

 Nevertheless United have won five games out of the last six and still sit in second position. Manager Tony Dolby declared that a play off place was a realistic ambition as we head towards the half way point of the season. This afternoons visitors Cray Wanderers are finding the going tough having been promoted to the Premier Division and sit just above the relegation zone. They will be keen to avoid a swift return to a lower division but will have been buoyed by two good results recently.

For Hastings Russell Eldridge is suspended so Liam Upton is likely to take a place in left midfield in what is a settled Hastings side seeking to get back to winning ways

Roger Sinden for SATURDAY SPORT the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United ( 2 )  Cray Wanderers ( 3 )

Slipping to their second successive defeat, Hastings will probably want to blame pantomime villain referee Paul Kelly, but they should also look to their own ill discipline which cost them dearly. Hastings Sam Adams was making his 200th appearance for the club and he almost marked it with an early goal when he struck the foot of the post, but the afternoon was to quickly unravel. A long clearance from Cray goalkeeper Jack Smelt on 11 minutes found Leigh Bremner on the 18 yard line and he looped the ball inside the far post from a sharp angle.

The Hastings response was immediate and Lee Carey’s free kick on 14 minutes was headed home by Ade Olorunda.  Although the scores were level, visitors Cray looked the more impressive outfit and they restored their lead on 39 minutes. Referee Kelly awarded a penalty for a foul which Colin Luckett confidently converted and Hastings slipped further behind on 43 minutes. A quickly taken free kick caught the Hastings defenders napping and Leigh Bremner scored with such ferocity that his drive from 18 yards hit the roof of the net and rebounded back into play.

 In a lively few minutes Hastings skipper Tim  Olorunda was sent off for a second yellow card and Hastings manager Tony Dolby kicked three footballs onto the pitch in frustration and sent himself from the touchline before the referee could do so.

 The second half calmed but 10 man Hastings had difficulty in capturing sufficient possession to pose a threat. Ade Olorunda made it 2-3 on 57 minutes when he headed home Michael Phillips corner but the visitors remained calm in possession and played the game down in a way which minimised the risk of an equaliser.
Referee Kelly will have diminished his Christmas card chances as a result of today’s performance as far as Hastings supporters are concerned.

Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for SATURDAY SPORT  where it finished
Hastings United ( 2 )  Cray Wanderers ( 3 )