Kingstonian V Hastings United - Sat 17th Dec 2011

Pre Match Report

“I’m Roger Sinden here at Jack Goodchild Way. Kingston upon Thames, where Hastings United visit Kingstonian

After a blank Saturday without a fixture, Hastings United made the mid week journey to Leiston, Suffolk in the Ryman League Cup and were delighted to return with a narrow 1-0 win. A late goal from skipper Josh Jirbandey was sufficient to give Hastings a home tie in the Quarter Finals against Bury Town. The timing of the 300 mile round journey was such as to render a number of players unavailable through work commitments and the stretched 13man squad did well to maintain interest in this competition.

The last league fixture before Christmas today is at mid table Kingstonian and Hastings should be hopeful of a point if they display the same fighting qualities as they did midweek. In recent days Hastings have said goodbye to talented but troubled player Jordan Woodley, whose disciplinary difficulties marred his excellent playing contribution. They  have added striker Billy Medlock and returning wide player Danny Ellis to their squad.

Hopefully those travelling Hastings supporters who have faced the cold weather and shunned the High Street shops will have reasons to be rewarded this afternoon.

Match Report

Kingstonian (1) Hastings United (1)

Hastings have only themselves to blame for not having taken all three points I this entertaining game, but a late goal for the home side meant that the spoils were shared. The opening 45 minutes were a difficult experience for the visitors with the defence being under almost constant pressure. Matt Armstrong Ford saved from Mc Donald with his legs in the opening minute and then comfortably fielded  a long range drive from Sam Clayton on 21minutes. Their inability to retain possession meant that goal attempts at the other end were few and far between. Zac Attwood did bear down purposefully on goal on 30 minutes but Tolfrey saw off the danger.

The pattern of the game was changed on 48 minutes. In a rare attack a cross from the right flank was helped on by Attwood and fell to Ben Davisson, who unmarked, fired home from 8 yards to open the scoring. Some ten minutes later Hastings were awarded a penalty when  Davisson’s fierce shot was adjudged to have been blocked by a hand but Lee Carey’s tame penalty was blocked by the diving Tolfrey.

 The miss was to prove costly, for with Hastings seeming to be set for three points, disaster struck. A cross from the right was headed powerfully home by Tom Hutchison for the equalising goal. There was still the potential for a final twist in stoppage time. Billy Medlock had a golden chance to restore Hastings lead, running from the half way line. His nerve failed as he bore down on goal, he delayed his shot, and the chance was gone.

Roger Sinden at Jack Goodchild Way, Kingston for Hospital Radio, Hastings where it finished
Kingstonian ( 1 ) Hastings United ( 1 )