| Lowestoft [A] |
Lowestoft v Hastings United - Saturday 5th February2011Pre Match ReportI’m Roger Sinden here at Crown Meadow Lowestoft where Hastings United visit Lowestoft Hastings travels take them to a new ground today when they visit third placed Lowestoft, Suffolk. The newly promoted club are one of the season’s success stories in their first season in the Ryman Premier Division. The Trawlerboys looked an impressive side in their visit to the Pilot Field in October and were unlucky to only share the points in a goal less draw. That was a time when Hastings were a form side themselves and a lot has changed since those heady days. In fairness Hastings secured their first point under manager Jason Hopkinson mid week with an entertaining home 2-2 draw with relegation rivals Folkestone Invicta. Goals from Russell Eldridge and Sam Adams ( penalty) might have given maximum points but a late penalty for the Kent club levelled the scores. Nevertheless this much needed point was sufficient to lift united out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Included in the United line up were on loan striker Lewis Perkins from Charlton Athletic and George Porter from Leyton Orient with Hopkinson keeping faith with his policy of signing young academy and reserve players from League Clubs. There is no doubt that these are talented youngsters but against more experienced physical sides they do struggle to stamp authority on the game for 90 minutes. Here’s hoping for some reward for a long journey today as its back in October that United last secured maximum league points. Roger Sinden for Hospital Radio, Hastings at Crown Meadow, Lowestoft Match Report Lowestoft ( 1 ) Hastings United ( 1 ) Improving Hastings United made it two consecutive draws with a well deserved point at third placed Lowestoft in a hugely entertaining game. Conditions were difficult with a blustery wind and defending an end to end slope the United defence was quickly under pressure. Chalmers Stevens made a diving save in the second minute and shortly afterwards he was helpless as a header rebounded to safety off the top of the bar. Joe Francis went close for the home side when a low cross went across the face of the goal. For Hastings a Russell Eldridge corner caused apprehension for the home defence. With the advantage of the slope in the second half United broke on the counter attack well. On 53 minutes Eldridge crossed from the left and Adams ran in and stooped to head past Reynolds to put the visitors ahead. It looked as though United were going to pick up their first win since October but an error by Ryan Storrie set up the equaliser. His weak header to Chalmers Stevens was intercepted by Michael Frew whose lob just dipped at the last minute and crept in under the bar. For Hastings both Porter and Davisson had decent chances on the break but both delayed opportunities to edge United back in front. As a consequence the United defence had to work hard to keep the Trawlerboys at bay and Josh Jirbandey was at hand in stoppage time to clear the ball off the line and protect a well earned point Roger Sinden at Crown Meadow Lowestoft for Hospital Radio, Hastings where it finished |
