| Sutton [A] |
Sutton United v Hastings United - Saturday 16th April 2011Pre Match ReportI’m Roger Sinden here at Gander Green Lane ,Sutton where Hastings United visit Sutton United There should be a carnival atmosphere this afternoon at Gander Green Lane where hosts Sutton United are hoping to obtain the win which will virtually guarantee them the championship. Sutton have been the pace setters for most of the campaign and few would deny that on consistency alone, this would be well deserved. Eight points clear of second placed Bury, Sutton are undefeated at home this season with fifteen wins and four draws, illustrating the enormity of the task for visiting Hastings United this afternoon. Last week Hastings did their own prospects for next season a world of good with a comfortable 3-0 win against visitors Margate and in so doing leapfrogged Sussex rival Horsham. Hastings are now 6 points clear of the relegation zone with four matches to play. Goals came from Kenny Pogue, Josh Jirbandey and then Ben Billings. Hastings should be largely unchanged from last week and for the home side Richard Jolly should return to the Sutton squad after missing the game against Bury last week. Bradley Woods-Garness will again be absent as he sits out the last game of his three game suspension. Whilst all might point to a home win this afternoon, the quickly improving Hastings United have the potential of making life difficult with Jason Hopkinson opting probably for a more defensive minded formation. Roger Sinden for Hospital Radio, Hastings at Gander Green lane, Sutton Match Report Sutton United ( 2 ) Hastings United ( 1 ) Hastings United were unable to prevent Sutton from continuing their unbeaten home record and from virtually clinching the Championship, but they were by no means disgraced by this fighting display. Sutton are a class act and with forwards Craig Dundas and Leroy Griffiths they have true creative flair. Despite the enormity of their task Hastings defended well and contained the home side with a spoiling 4-5-1 formation, and there were signs that the home side were beginning to feel the frustration. On 33 minutes the Hastings defence was unlocked after Ben Billings was dispossessed and Leroy Griffiths slipped past the defence and slid the ball past the advancing Seb Barton. Hastings had their first shot on goal just before the break when Ollie Rowe drove straight at Kevin Scriven. The game looked safe when Sean Ray was adjudged to have fouled the dangerous Craig Dundas in the box and Andy Forbes slotted the penalty home with ease, to make it 2-0. With nothing to lose, Hastings enjoyed their best period of the game as they emerged from their defensive shell and on 62 minutes the industrious Harry Beautyman fired past Scriven from 12 yards as he latched onto a long kick from Seb Barton. Further chances fell to Hastings and Beautyman again forced Scriven to save but the home side then upped their game and ran down the clock with ease to ensure that they held on to secure the points. Roger Sinden at Gander Green lane, Sutton for Hospital Radio, Hastings where it finished |
