| Margate [A] |
Margate v Hastings United - Saturday 22nd January 2011Pre Match ReportI’m Roger Sinden here at Hartsdown Road, Margate where Hastings United visit Margate Hastings Manager Jason Hopkinson must be wondering when his nightmare introduction to management will end when Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at bottom club Croydon Athletic made it five straight defeats since he took charge. Ironically it was former Hastings striker Frankie Sawyer who did the damage, grabbing both goals for the home side to secure the points. The cause was not helped by the mass exodus of experienced players , necessitating emergency action to sign replacements. The vast majority of these new arrivals have had links before with Jason through Lewes but all are youthful and have struggled to make an immediate impact at this level. Hopkinson has declared in the local press this week that the situation cannot go on, fighting word but one wonders how the turn around might be achieved, particularly as Hastings appear so impotent in front of goal. Hastings visit to lowly Margate today is another key match which Hastings need to get something from if there is any chance that relegation is going to be avoided Roger Sinden for Hospital Radio, Hastings at Hartsdown Road, Margate Match Report Margate ( 2 ) Hastings United ( 0 ) Despite enjoying generous periods of possession on the ball, Hastings again failed to find their scoring touch and as a consequence their miserable winless run continued. In an endeavour to break the nightmare sequence, defender Sean Ray was selected to play up front. He did create opportunities with headers but on the ground he looked slow and ponderous. United enjoyed a bright start and a short corner on 6 minutes saw Eldridge’s teasing cross defeat everyone and pass wide. The same player went close with a free kick minutes later but James Turner saved well. Ray was free on 17 minutes in a potential shoot out with the goalkeeper but he delayed his shot and the danger passed. Margate edged ahead on 28 minutes when a corner led to a goal chance. Whilst his first shot was blocked, James Pinnock made sure from close range at the second attempt. Pushing for an equalised in the second half, Hastings again played possession football but the Gate were content to defend in depth and were rarely in danger. Tim Olorunda fired two long range efforts goal wards and at the other end Chalmers Stevens saved well with his legs from Dan Stubbs. Pinnock had the last say and secured points at the end for the home side when his shot from 25 yards crashed home, leaving Hastings again pointless and well beaten Roger Sinden at Hartsdown Rd, Margate for Hospital Radio, Hastings where it finished |
