Farnborough v Hastings United - Saturday 12th September 2009

Pre Match Report

“I’m Roger Sinden here  at Cherrywood Road, Farnborough where Hastings United visit  Farnborough”

When the draw for the first Qualifying Round of the FA cup was made, Hastings new that they faced the sternest of tasks in drawing Farnborough of the Zamaretto League. This ambitious club, under the management of Steve King who took Lewes Town to the Blue Square Premier, are the early season leaders and are undefeated after seven starts and are favourites to win the championship. Danger man Dean McDonald has scored 7 times already this season and is clearly one of the men to watch.

Few of the Hastings Supporters would have given a glimmer of hope this afternoon after an indifferent start to the season, but United appear to have run into form and four consecutive league wins has taken them up to fourth in the table. Last Saturday three late goals at Harrow borough earned all three points with goals from Adams ( a penalty), Olurunda and Carey. This steady improvement has raised a belief that all may not be quite lost this afternoon. Hastings Manager Tony Dolby faces an intriguing selection problem.

 Definitely out is the suspended Rhys Whyborn  who was sent off at Cray Wanderers and his natural replacement Sean Ray has been struggling with Swine flu. In addition goalkeeper Greg Nessling sustained an injury at Harrow last Saturday providing a rare opportunity for substitute goalkeeper Jani Seitsonen to make an appearance. Whatever the final line up I would expect Hastings to play a cautious containing game with eyes on a possible replay on Tuesday night.The history books show that the two clubs, or their earlier derivatives, met in 1985 at Farnborough in the Fourth Qualifying Round with the hosts winning by 3 goals to 2

Match Report

Farnborough  ( 2 ) Hastings United ( 1 )

Farnborough made progress this afternoon to the next qualifying round of the FA Cup but Hastings will feel that they pushed their fancied hosts all the way in a rousing second half finale. Farnborough had the better of a goal less first period although early chances fell to the visitors for Sam Adams and then Michael Phillips. The close control of Mc Donald created constant danger for Farnborough and Kezie Ibe had a long range shot rustle the goal netting. McDonald then evaded Hastings Ramsay and after an exchange of passes Bradley Bubb shot wide.

After a goal less first half the visitor’s stubborn resistance was finally broken down on 52 minutes with McDonald running dangerously at a retreating defence. Elliott’s block on the edge of the area saw the ball run to Jack King who unleashed an unstoppable rising drive into the roof of the net from 20 yards.

 The second goal quickly followed with Bradley Bubb cutting in from the right hand flank and firing a low drive inside the far post. The second goal  sparked an adventurous and a double substitution and Ade Olorunda revived the game with an opportunistic lob on 72 minutes with Barnard off his line.
With Hastings throwing caution to the wind there were times when their defence was badly stretched and Farnborough might have added to their score. In stoppage time Olorunda surged past a defender but his goal bound shout was blocked by Barnard at the near post to ensure that Farnborough edged through.

Roger Sinden at Cherrywood Road, Farnborough where it finished
Farnborough Town (  2  ) Hastings United ( 1 )