Hastings United v Tonbridge Angels - Saturday 2nd January 2010

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where today Hastings United entertain Tonbridge Angels

Despite the arctic conditions, today’s fixture has survived following a  mid morning pitch inspection, although conditions will be far from easy as temperatures plummet later in the afternoon. Hastings will be looking to shake off the hangover of a run of poor form which has blighted most of December with only one league success.

Most recently Hastings went down at home to Maidstone  United by the odd goal in three on Boxing Day Monday. Hastings never really recovered from an early goal from the visitors, although Sam Adams shot did briefly bring them level, before the mediocre visitors took all three points.

Derby matches against Tonbridge have always been feisty affairs and today’s encounter comes just a week or so after the match at Tonbridge which ended in a 2-2 draw. There was plenty to talk about in that match  with a penalty deep into stoppage time, two players dismissed and a brawl between most of the players. There are strong connections between some of the Hastings players and management with the Kent club and therefore an intense rivalry is inevitable.
Hastings will need to retain their composure this afternoon, in what is likely to be a lively game,  in the quest to kick start their campaign.They are due to be hit by suspensions to Ade Olorunda and Michael Phillips shortly and cannot afford any further disciplinary problems.

Roger Sinden for SATURDAY SPORT the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United ( 5 )  Tonbridge Angels ( 1 )

Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels were brushed aside in an entertaining derby in front of over 700 fans. The pitch, having passed a mid morning inspection played generally well other than a snow covered area near the main stand. The even opening exchanges suggested that this would be a close encounter with Tonbridge wide men Watts and Ferguson posing early threats. Several of the Hastings side have Tonbridge connections and Lee Carey and Michael Phillips commanded the midfield for Hastings against their former club.

Hastings took the lead just before the break when the ball was worked to Russell Eldridge who created a shooting opportunity before scoring with a low drive from 12 yards. Instead of their customary tendency to create difficulties for themselves by defending leads too early and too deeply, Hastings continued to press forward and Sean Ray’s bullet header on 51 minutes from a corner increased the lead.

 Hastings were on fire now and Michael Phillips made it 3-0 on 61 minutes when a low cross from the left by Russell Eldridge was swept in at the far post from close range by Michael Phillips. Tonbridge rallied slightly on 75 minutes when Jamie Cade headed home to make it 3-1 after a rare Tonbridge attack but Hastings were far from finished. Sam Adams scored decisively on 85 minutes after a fine flowing move for perhaps the goal of the match, and there was still time for Michael Phillips to complete the scoring on 89 minutes. A free kick on the edge of the area was touched to him and he fired wide of the wall and inside the post to kick off the New Year in style.

Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for SATURDAY SPORT  where it finished
Hastings United ( 5 )  Tonbridge Angels ( 1 )