Hastings United v Hendon - Saturday 23rd April 2011

Pre Match Report

I’m, Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where Hastings United entertain Hendon

With three matches to play in a troubled season Hastings entertain out of form Hendon this afternoon  in the quest for three points that could secure their Ryman Premier League status.

The position was made more nail biting this week by the fact that not unexpectedly United went down by the odd goal in three to champions Sutton United last Saturday, with Harry Beautyman notching a consolation goal after Sutton had gone two goals up. There were some Ryman matches yesterday and Aveley, United’s closest rival in the chasing pack, unexpectedly won at Concord Rangers and are only 2 points behind United. This becomes all the more worrying as Hastings visit high riding Tonbridge Angels on Easter Monday afternoon, and cannot be confident of coming away with any reward  from an inform Tonbridge side.

They then entertain Aveley next Saturday for the final match of the season. The worst case scenario is United’s fate being unsure going into that last home game with immense pressure to defeat Aveley to survive. Hastings can take control of their situation this afternoon against Hendon and much may depend on whether striker George Porter has recovered from the injury which kept him from the starting line up last Saturday

Roger Sinden for Hospital Radio Hastings at the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United ( 1 )  Hendon ( 1 )
Looking for a win to ensure their Premier Division status against an out of form Hendon side, Hastings had to be content with a point, leaving all up in the air for the last week of the season. Both sides may feel that they did enough to win the match in an end to end finale, but generally the match did little to enthuse supporters.

Hastings had the better chances in a lacklustre first half with Beautyman heading wide and with Porter having a shot blocked as he cut in from the left. The much needed  goal came just before the interval when Gorge Porter, breaking free from the last defender, was felled in the penalty area. Sam Adams drilled home the penalty with confidence on 42 minutes.

Hendon were the more adventurous after the break and Aaron Morgan went close when he fired straight at Seb Barton. The visitors were however back on level terms on 65 minutes when danger from the left saw Barton block an angled shot and Dave Diedhiou  to score from close range at the far post. The same player then saw a powerful header bounce in front of an unguarded net, and then bounce over the bar.

In a frenetic finish Billings blazed wide after a good pass by Carey, and then Porter headed wide from a well flighted corner by Eldridge. Seb Barton made two steady saves to keep Hastings in the hunt and both sides were left wondering about what might have been, with Hastings still needing to wait a further nervous week before all is determined.

Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for Hospital Radio Hastings where it finished
Hastings United ( 1 ) Hendon ( 1 )