Hastings United V Horsham - Sat 29th Oct 2011

Pre Match Report

I’m, Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where Hastings United entertain Horsham

The fortunes of Sussex rivals Horsham mirror those of their hosts today. Both clubs have had very disappointing seasons, with Horsham second from bottom of the league and Hastings just above the relegation zone. Results on the pitch have resulted in both making managerial changes, with United having lost patience with Manager Jason Hopkinson last Saturday. Hastings had just scrambled a 1-1 draw in an abject display at Bedfont, with a goal from  a Zac Attwood free kick,  when the decision was made. Managerless by the time the replay came around on Tuesday, they lost the replay by 2-0.

Whilst steps are taken to recruit a replacement, the club has secured the temporary services of Brighton youth striker Jordan Woodley. It is hoped that he can at least inject some life into an attack which has scarcely managed a decent chance in open play in recent matches. Fixtures between the two clubs are usually spicey affairs with an intermingling of players between the clubs over the years. Former United stalwart Russell Eldridge turns out for Horsham, whilst Lee Carey is just one of the United players who have represented Horsham.

The corresponding fixture last season was memorable for the wrong reasons with Horsham having had three players sent off and with United fighting back from a three goal deficit, still to lose 3-2. Hastings fans have been starved of entertainment of late and would love to see a match that gets the pulses racing.

Match Report

 Hastings United ( 5   )  Horsham (  0 )

Hastings United gave Horsham a sorry afternoon with a resounding win, registering 22 shots on goal during ninety minutes. This is almost as many efforts as they have mustered all season. Horsham are having a troubled season and their cause was not helped by the dismissal of two players in the second half.

Even when playing a full side, Hastings were well in control in the first half, but surprisingly after the boost of an early goal, could not score further before the break. It was Kenny Pogue who scored on 6 minutes with a low drive from 8 yards. Hastings included Jordan Woodley in their starting line up and the on loan Brighton youth player created as well as having a number of chances against a poor Horsham defence.

The second half was one way traffic, particularly after Helga Orome was dismissed for a foul on Jamie Crellin. Hastings we awarded a penalty on 67 minutes with defender Calum McGeehan also being dismissed for a foul in the penalty area. Lee Carey slotted the penalty into the roof of the net to make it 2-0.

The floodgates opened as a demoralised and depleted Horsham were pegged in their penalty area. Pogue made it 3-0 on 77 minutes, Jamie Crellin added a fourth on 80 minutes, and then Zac Attwood made it five on 82 minutes.

Had they shown the killer instinct, Hastings could have registered more, but this will be a boost for a morale as they search for a new manager.

Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for Hospital Radio Hastings where it finished
Hastings United (  5    ) Horsham ( 0  )