Hastings United v Maidstone United - Saturday 8th January 2011

Pre Match Report

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

Manager Jason Hopkinson’s spell as manager did not go get off to the best of starts last week away to Cray Wanderers when Hastings lost by 2-0 and rarely troubled the home goalkeeper. The side included five new signings who made their debut but it was the absence of senior players goalkeeper Scott Chalmers Stevens and mid fielder Tim Olorunda which was to prove critical, as the side clearly lacked experience. The lack of goal scoring bite was obvious, following the departure of Ade Olorunda to Tonbridge, and Hopkinson has moved swiftly to bring in  striker Josh Klein Davies to reinforce the goal scoring options.

United’s opponents today, Maidstone United are in the relegation zone and therefore this afternoon’s match has assumed huge importance as United’s dismal run of form has  seen them plunging down the table, and now sit just one place above the relegation zone. They include former United favourite Michael Phillips in their squad, Phillips having been part of the broader exodus of former Tonbridge players following the departure of previous manager Tony Dolby.

It would be harsh to judge United’s new signings too early after last week’s start but although none could be faulted for effort, they did play a side reduced to ten men for three quarters of the game and only looked dangerous when defender Sean Ray bolstered the attack. These are young players, learning their trade, but the Ryman premier includes some experienced players and they will need to learn fast if they are to make an impact. Perhaps this afternoon will be the first important step to showing they can hold their own

Roger Sinden for Hospital Radio Hastings at the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United (1)  Maidstone United  (2)

Hastings winless run continued against relegation rivals Maidstone United, but gave a first half performance that suggested that a better outcome might have been achieved. A spirited and fluent passing performance in the half saw them take the lead on 25 minutes when combined work from Beautyman and Logan enabled Russell Eldridge time and space to volley home from 12 yards.

Beautyman caught the eye in the opening exchanges where he influenced central midfield but faded later as he tired. Maidstone looked more dangerous as the interval approached and Hockton skied over the bar but Hastings were well worth their interval lead.
Hastings inexplicable fell away badly after the break and conceded midfield far too easily with Stones overrunning them.

Tony Booth should have scored when he burst free for the visitors and seemed to have netted but Chalmers Stevens parried the ball against the post and quickly recovered to collect the rebound. Hockton’s free kick from 25 yards then cannoned off the goal frame with the Hastings defence motionless, but Maidstone finally broke their deadlock. Goals from Adrian Stone with a header by the far post on 72 minutes, then Danny Hockton  on 76 minutes edged the visitors ahead.

There was even the luxury for Maidstone of a missed penalty with a smart save by Chalmers Stevens to keep the score down in another depressing league performance.

Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for Hospital Radio Hastings where it finished
Hastings United ( 1 ) Maidstone United ( 2 )