Hastings United v AFC Hornchurch - Saturday 14th November 2009

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where today Hastings United entertain AFC Hornchurch

Hastings United begin their  fourth successive home fixture this afternoon in a confident mood having notched up two wins and a draw over that period. Last week’s excellent second half against Margate saw them beat the Kent side by the odd goal in three, with Ade Olorunda and Russell Eldridge getting the goals. Maximum points consolidated United’s second place position in the table and  they are now four points clear of the third placed club.

On Tuesday night United made progress in the Ryman League Cup and ran out comfortable winners against Tooting and Mitcham by 4-1, earning a home time against Croydon Athletic in the next round.

Bidding to maintain the momentum  this afternoon, Hastings take on AFC Hornchurch without midfielder Tim Olorunda who is suspended for one match after picking up five bookings.

Scott Ramsay (calf) and Luke Newman (thigh) are both doubtful after suffering injuries in the warm up on Tuesday night but goalkeeper Greg Nessling (injured thumb and suspension) should return between the posts.

Torrential rain and howling winds could make the weather the winner this afternoon.

Roger Sinden for SATURDAY SPORT the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United ( 1 )  AFC Hornchurch ( 0 )

Although Hastings picked up maximum points to maintain second position in the Ryman Premier Division, it was the weather that was the real winner this afternoon. United were playing their fourth consecutive home match, a run which has seen them develop an attractive passing approach but today they needed to revert to a more direct style in the swirling wind.

The visitors AFC Hornchurch will regret the fact that they did not seize the full benefit of the first half wind assistance and although Hastings struggled to clear their lines they were not required to deal with a direct shot on goal. Greg Nessling, back between the posts after injury and suspension, merely had unpredictable crosses in the swirling wind to deal with in the difficult conditions. Nathan Russell caught the eye in the Hastings defence with two timely interceptions.

 It took Hastings little time for Hastings to demonstrate in the second half that things were to be easier with the wind. Russell Eldridge received a ball from Steve Elliott on the edge of the area and his perfectly struck shot hit the back of the net with Darren Behcet flat footed. This could have been the signal for Hastings to stamp authority on the game, but they failed to do so, and the Urchins quickly pressed forward in search of an equaliser. Despite end to end play, much of it erratic and some of it played in weather conditions which could have heralded the end of the world, neither side could muster direct shots on goal.

Ben Boyce, for the visitors, earned himself a straight red card for an off the ball incident with Lee Carey in the final moments but neither side looked as though they would bother the goalkeepers again. Despite having played more goals than contenders in the premier Division their ability to grind out results make them realistic options for a plat off place.

Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for SATURDAY SPORT  where it finished
Hastings United ( 1 )  AFC Hornchurch ( 0 )