Hastings United v AFC Hornchurch - Saturday 15th November 2008

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where today Hastings United entertain AFC Hornchurch

Just  a week after bowing out of the FA Cup at home to First Division side Peterborough United by a single goal, AFC Hornchurch switch their focus to the quest for Ryman League points when they visit the Pilot Field this afternoon. The Urchins finally conceded a stoppage time goal last Sunday to end their FA Cup dream.

Hastings have also had an eventful week, being blitzed at Canvey Island for most of the 90 minutes and ending up on the wrong end of a 5-2 score line. They were never in the game and also saw substitute Jack Franklin dismissed in the dying minutes after a dangerous tackle. This convincing defeat brought the end to an impressive winning run of five matches, but they did get back to winning ways mid week. A mixed strength side entertained Burgess Hill in the Sussex Senior Cup and Scott Ramsay’s goal was sufficient to book another home tie against Horsham YMCA in the last 16 of the competition.

 On the positive side it did give match practice to fringe members of the squad but the price was an injury to Sam Adams which may keep him out of contention this afternoon. Nathan Russell is also struggling with a hamstring injury and also may not make the starting line up.

Visitors Hornchurch have a false league position having played fewer matches because of their cup run, but both sides will be looking for a return today to consolidate their respective positions.

Roger Sinden for SATURDAY SPORT the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United (  2  )  AFC Hornchurch ( 4  )

For the second successive week defensive errors were the order of the day and Hastings were well beaten. It had all started so positively with Hastings defender Andy Ballard proving an influential figure in almost all of the goals. With only 3 minutes on the clock, Ballard’s trademark long throw was headed into the net by a hapless Hornchurch defender under no real pressure and it was Ballard himself who headed home from Sam Adams free kick on 15 minutes to put Hastings two goals up.

Psychologically, conceding a goal the following minute was significant. A counter attack left United exposed on the flank, the ball was headed across the foal and Chris Lee’s header crept inside the post. The warning signs were clearly visible on 40 minutes when Hastings conceded a penalty. Inevitably it was Ballard who tripped Dean Green and Mark Janney despatched the penalty with ease. There was still time before the interval for Frankie Sawyer to burst free but has shot was blocked by the advancing  Dale Brightly.

The second half was characterised by misplaced passes and chaotic defending. Hornchurch were rampant. Hastings had a shout for a penalty when Ramsay went sprawling and on the immediate counter attack the ball ran to Mark Janney who rounded Nessling to edge the visitors ahead on 50 minutes.

There was still time for Hastings to get back into the game but Hastings rarely sustained sufficient possession to pose a threat. More defensive nightmares between Nessling and Ballard set up Paul Shave to score into an unguarded goal on 74 minutes to virtually kill the game. The match sponsors named Andy Ballard Man of the Match, an inevitable decision as he seemed to be involved in all of the goals at both ends.

Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for SATURDAY SPORT  where it finished
Hastings United (  2  ) AFC Hornchurch ( 4  )