Hendon v Hastings United - Saturday 28th August 2010

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at Vale Farm, Wembley where Hastings United visit Hendon

Two wins in their opening fixtures has made United early season pace setters and they will go into today’s match against Hendon with some confidence. The 2-0 home win against fancied Wealdstone last Saturday was followed by a more comfortable win against Maidstone United midweek, who were perhaps fortunate that Hastings only ran out 4-2 winners.

In a composed performance after the first twenty minutes, during which the home side took a shock lead, Hastings controlled the remainder of the proceedings and were perhaps unfortunate not to have boosted their goal difference further.

As a result  of this pleasing start the team virtually picks itself , with no suspensions or injuries. Newcomer John Beales has been solid at the back and in both matches this season, Anthony Storey has impressed in midfield. Local player Kenny Pogue has made second half appearances from the bench in both matches and scored a goal in each, to keep pressure on United’s starting strike force.

Today’s hosts Hendon play at Wembley’s ground and did well to beat league newcomers Concord Rangers by 4-1 after losing their opening fixture to Tooting and Mitcham. Whilst it is early days United will be looking for at least a point from this afternoon’s game.

Roger Sinden for Hospital Radio, Hastings at Vale Farm, Wembley

Match Report

Hendon  ( 0 ) Hastings United ( 0 )

Despite their numerical advantage over ten man Hendon, Hastings United were unable to make their superiority count and the points were shared in a scrappy game. The Vale Farm pitch is close to Wembley but the playing surface has a sharp side to side slope compared to its illustrious neighbour.

Hastings enjoyed the better possession in the first half and went close on 15 minutes. A ball in from the right flank was palmed out by goalkeeper Berkley Laurencin and Jamie Cade’s follow up was blocked on the line. It was John Beales turn to be denied on 25 minutes when a corner was cleared to him on the 18 yeard line. He hooked it goalwards but again it was blocked. Sean ray then saw a header scrambled away on the half hour.

The home team had a strong ten minutes before the break and Aaron Morgan twice went close with the Hastings defence ruffled.
The second half was brightened by the introduction of Ade Olorunda, not deemed sufficiently fit to have made the starting line up. He looked the more likely to score and just missed the far post from an acute angle.

Hendon’s cause was not helped by the dismissal of Kevin Maclaren for his second yellow card, but they stood firm under pressure and will be pleased to have shared the spoils in a forgettable game.

Roger Sinden at Vale Farm, Wembley for Hospital Radio, Hastings where it finished
Hendon ( 0 ) Hastings United ( 0 )