| Aveley [H] |
Hastings United v Aveley - Saturday 30th April 2011Pre Match ReportI’m, Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where Hastings United entertain Aveley Hastings United conclude their league fixtures this afternoon with the outcome determining if they will be playing Ryman Premier Division football next season. All has been determined other than one relegation place and Maidstone United and Hastings United know that one of them will be relegated at 4.50 this afternoon. Hastings have the edge in that before the final matches they are a point ahead, with a superior goal difference and, on paper, the easier fixture. Hastings entertain already relegated Aveley whilst in form Maidstone United, whose late surge of form has given them a fighting chance of survival, face the more problematic fixture when then visit AFC Hornchurch. Hastings might have saved themselves from this anxiety last Saturday had they done better than drawing at home to Hendon, with Sam Adams converting a penalty. On Easter Monday Hastings visited an impressive side and lost by two clear goals. Today presents a tactical challenge for Manager Jason Hopkinson in that the result today must either equal or better Maidstone’s result, and therefore Hastings supporters will be excused if they are as concerned about events at Hornchurch as they are at the Pilot Field this afternoon. Roger Sinden for Hospital Radio Hastings at the Pilot Field Match Report Hastings United ( 2 ) Aveley ( 3 ) Despite losing a five goal thriller to already relegated Aveley, the good news of Maidstone United’s defeat at Hornchurch meant that Hastings retained their Premier Division status for another year. The first half was a tense affair with Hastings scarcely managing a shot on goal. It seemed as though it was going to be a nightmare day when the visitors took a shock lead. On 52minutes Ryan Stalley stabbed into an unguarded net when Seb Barton could only block a through ball and the ball rebounded to set up a simple goal. On 57 minutes the visitors doubled their lead. Sherwin Stanley’s fierce header from close range seemed to have put the game out of reach. Adan Hopkinson forced home from close range when a corner was not fully cleared and five minutes later Josh Jirbandey equalised with a close range header to ease supporters fears. Although United were keen to take control of their own destiny by pushing for the win, a lot depended upon matters at Hornchurch. It was just as well as Aveley completed the scoring o 82 minutes when a defensive lapse let in Kevin Beaney to ensure that United were left pointless. With United pushing for an equaliser the new filtered through that Maidstone’s defeat meant that United were safe and they can now look forward to another season in the Ryman Premier Division. Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for Hospital Radio Hastings where it finished |
