Tooting and Mitcham v Hastings United - Saturday 12th December 2009

Pre Match Report

“I’m Roger Sinden here at Imperial Fields Morden where Hastings united visit Tooting and Mitcham United

It’s been a disappointing couple of weeks with Hastings slipping to two consecutive defeats and they are now looking nervously over their shoulders in second position, having previously pulled away from the chasing pack.

Two weeks ago Hasting s went down 4-2 at Sussex rivals Horsham in an entertaining game for the neutral, but last week went down by the odd goal in five to Cray Wanderers on a day when their cause was not helped by the first half dismissal of midfielder Tim Olorunda. The loss of a player against a Cray side that always looked confident on the ball proved too much for Hastings. A worrying aspect of the last two games is the fact that the defence has conceded 7 goals and two successive penalties.
As a response Manager Tony Dolby recalls Rhys Whyborne to the Hastings defence

Today’s fixture is another tough encounter with Tooting and Mitcham United in sixth position and with two games in hand, so today is a real six pointer. In goal for Tooting this afternoon is former Hastings favourite Dave King but eyes will be on Tony Dolby’s final selection to see if he his changes will bring a more solid approach at the back.

Roger Sinden for Hospital Radio, Hastings at  Imperial Fields Morden

Match Report

Tooting and Mitcham United ( 1 ) Hastings United ( 0 )

This single goal set back at Imperial Fields made it three successive defeats for a Hastings United side that is failing to live up to its early season promise. The reinstatement of defender Rhys Whyborne made the defence more solid under pressure but it was up front where United disappointed. At the time when they should have been pressing for an equaliser, goal keeper Greg Nessling was called upon to make some key saves to keep his side in the game.

Hastings started brightly enough with Ade Olorunda’s shot drifting over the bar but at the other end Whyborne was well placed to clear a goal bound shot after goalkeeper Greg Nessling had miscued his clearance whilst rushing from his line. Hastings looked most dangerous with two free kicks on the edge of the penalty area, with Lee Carey and Russell Eldridge going close.

Inevitably the home side went ahead on 34 minutes when a high cross from the left flank eluded the Hastings defence and Simon Parker forced home from 6 yards.

The second half, if anything, saw the home side the stronger outfit with Hastings goal chances few and far between. Michael Phillips somehow managed to scoop the ball over the bar from close range on 65 minutes with the visitors best chance. At the other end danger man Paul Vines had a header blocked and then Greg Nessling parried a goal bound effort over the bar.

Hastings did however manage a storming finish when Liam Upton was thwarted by Dave King at the foot of the post but it was too little too late in a disappointing outcome.

Roger Sinden at   Imperial Fields Morden for Hospital Radio, Hastings where it finished

Tooting and Mitcham  United  ( 1 ) Hastings United ( 0 )