Aveley v Hastings United - Saturday 4th September 2010

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at the Mill Field Aveley where Hastings United visit Aveley

Unbeaten Hastings United make a  potentially difficult  visit to Aveley this afternoon, a venue that saw them lose disastrously last season in the playoff run in. They will be looking g to put a disappointing holiday weekend behind them after two draws in three days.

Last Saturday they took a point from Hendon in a dull goalless draw and perhaps might have gone better against a side that were reduced to ten men for the last quarter of the game. On Bank Holiday Monday, Hastings entertained Cray Wanderers and after going behind against the run of play, needed to rely upon a twice taken penalty to ensure that they shared the spoils. Anthony Storeys tame first kick needed to be retaken when the linesman ruled that the goalkeeper had moved from his line, and Sam Adams blasted the equalising goal.

United were without the services of the influential captain Sean Ray who was suspended, and such will be the case again this afternoon. Rhys Whyborn deputised last Monday and looked a little uneasy and either he or Nathan Russell will plug the gap this afternoon. Also doubtful is Michael Phillips who is struggling with an injury which forced him off after only 15 minutes on Monday. Hastings will be keen to preserve their unbeaten record on what is a far from easy playing surface here at Mill Field.

Roger Sinden for Hospital Radio, Hastings at  Mill Field, Aveley

Match Report

Aveley  ( 1 ) Hastings United ( 3 )

Three quick second half goals turned this match on its head, when it seemed that their unbeaten league start was in grave danger. It was a physical game, devoid of incident in the main, on a difficult playing surface. Hastings had the better of the early exchanges with the best opportunity falling to Ade Olorunda when he stabbed against the post on 6 minutes from an Anthony Storey free kick. The same player then set up chances for Sam Adams and Jamie Cade as well as earning a caution for a niggling contest with Aveley’s Tony Russell.

The home side unexpectedly took the lead on 57 minutes against the run of play when David Knights free kick from the edge of the area cleared the defensive wall and dipped under the bar. At that stage, United were devoid of ideas and looked to be on their way to defeat. The introduction of substitute Kenny Pogue was decisive. On 73 minutes he ran on to a long clearance, with the referee playing good advantage and lashed home from 20 yards and then evading the offside trap on the right flank set up Ade Olorunda. He rounded goalkeeper Matthew Bennett to tap into an empty net. Leading 2-1 United were in control and it was Pogue again who exchanged passes with Fraser Logan who was able to add a third from close range.

Aveley missed two late chances but maximum points keep United  in a strong early position.

Roger Sinden at the Mill Field, Aveley for Hospital Radio, Hastings where it finished,
Aveley ( 1 ) Hastings United ( 3 )