Dulwich Hamlet v Hastings United - Saturday 16th October 2010

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here to Champion Hill Stadium where Hastings United visit Dulwich Hamlet

Hastings United make the tricky journey to Dulwich Hamlet for the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy, a side one division below them but demonstrating consistent from that is has taken them close to the play off places. A decent run of form the Hamlet to sit just outside of the play off  zone. Hastings for their part have a shocking record in recent years in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy, a significant issue having regard to the amount of  prize money that is available to reward success  in these competition.

Last Saturday United were on the road and they left Tooting with a valuable point after a hard fought 1-1 draw. Michael Phillips scored the equalising goal from the penalty spot after the home side had taken the lead, it was not a particularly entertaining game but was one that either side might have won.

Midweek United entertained Whitehawk in the league cup, in a match that was bereft of quality but brimming with goals. The score was 3-3 after extra time with Adams (2) and Logan the scorers. The match went to penalties with United proceeding to the next round after edging the match 5-4.

Sean Ray continues to make progress but is still not available for selection today. Just as worrying was the early withdrawal of Ade Olorunda last Tuesday and there must be serious doubts as to whether he will have recovered in time for today’s match.

Roger Sinden for Hospital  Radio, Hastings at Champion Hill Stadium

Match Report

Hastings United ( 2 )  Harrow Borough  ( 0 )

Injury hit Hastings, without Sean Ray and Ade Olorunda, needed to battle hard against Dulwich Hamlet at  the Champion Hill Stadium and both sides now face a replay at the Pilot Field on Tuesday evening. The Hastings defence was breached early in the match whilst supporters were still settling. In the third moment a long ball from the left flank was headed across the goal and Michael Owezu scored with a soft header from close range by the post.

The Hastings response was swift with Michael Phillips striking the bar  and then on 8 minutes, they were back on terms.
Russell Eldridge’s well placed corner was headed firmly home by John Beales to make it one goal apiece. Further chances fell to Kenny Pogue when he rustled the side netting when a square ball might have been more telling, then he ran from the half way line on 20 minutes but his goal bound shot struck the advancing James Dunn in the home goal. For Dulwich Gerry Gonella fired hard from long range but Clark Masters fisted the ball clear to keep the scores level at the interval.

The second half was a scrappy affair with Hastings content to absorb pressure but against the run of play they took the lead in a rare attack.Nine minutes from time, Sam Adams crossed from the far right and Fraser Logan headed home inside the post, seemingly to win the match for Hastings. The home side had other ideas on 86 minutes and a free kick from Kevin James was forced home powerfully from close range by Lewis Gonsalves to bring both sides back to the Pilot Field for a replay of this FA Trophy tie.

Roger Sinden at Champion Hill Stadium for Hospital Radio, Hastings where it finished

Dulwich Hamlet ( 2 ) Hastings United ( 2 )