Hastings United v Bury Town - Saturday 20th November 2010

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where Hastings United entertain Bury Town

An improved performance by United at Harrow Borough last Saturday was not sufficient to halt United’s winless run but suggested that better things may be on the way for the Club. Still without the injured Ade Olorunda they twice took the lead through Sam Adams and Michael Phillips but had to eventually be content with a share of the points as the home side came back strongly.

Hastings visitors Bury Town are having a good season after their promotion to the Ryman Premier Division and won the corresponding fixture in September by 2-1, with their goalkeeper playing well to keep United at bay.

In the League cup there is some encouraging news with a Fourth Round tie against either Kingstonian or Fleet Town giving United home advantage.

Hastings have slipped to mid table mediocrity having regard to the fact that they have not secured maximum points since October 2 and although still clear of the relegation pack need to get their season back on track with a solid performance and hopefully a win this afternoon. A positive is that Sean Ray is now returned from injury and provides decisive leadership and defensive stability which seemed lacking before.

Roger Sinden for Hospital Radio Hastings at the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United (0)   Bury Town (2)

Bury Town effortlessly took maximum points from a Hastings side that again failed to find the net at the Pilot Field in a hugely disappointing display. Hastings did enjoy good possession in spells but the incessant cross field passing failed to make incisive progress. For Bury, goalkeeper Marcus Garnham handled crosses comfortably but scarcely had a direct shot to save.

Bury had a shout for an early penalty when goalkeeper Scott Chalmers Stevens sent a forward tumbling on the edge of the area, but the referee waved play on. Chalmers Stevens was again in the thick of things when he raced from goal but did not fully clear. Scott Caplin shot wide of the unguarded net from distance.

Two first half goals for the visitors finished the game as a contest. Firstly James Scowcroft netted on 29 minutes when a ball from the right flank was forced home and then just before the break, Roscoe Hipperson bundled the ball in from a corner near the near post.

The introduction of Frankie Sawyer after the break gave Hastings a few more ideas but they rarely threatened to pull a goal back. Pushing forward, and leaving gaps at the back, Hastings  needed to look to Chalmers Stevens to make two late saves to keep the score respectable

Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for Hospital Radio Hastings where it finished
Hastings United (0) Bury Town(2)