Hastings United v Ashford Town - Saturday 16th August 2008

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where today Hastings United entertain Ashford Middlesex (Middlesex)

Hastings United kick off this campaign, the sixtieth anniversary of the formation of the first Hastings United, having lost six key players from last season’s squad. The Olorunda brothers and Lee Worgan are now at Tonbridge, Russell Eldridge and Lee Carey at Horsham and Jimmy Elford at  Ashford Town ( Kent). Manager Tony Dolby also moved on having rescued the club from the prospect of relegation.

 Incoming Manager John Lambert, who managed the Reserves last season, has largely looked to youth to plug the gaps left by the departing players and astonishingly could start the game today at home to Ashford Town with five teenagers. He has however added the experience of goalkeeper Chris May, returning to the Pilot Field, along with strikers Scott Ramsey and Marc Whiteman both of whom have been prolific goalscorers in Sussex football.

There can be no concerns about the pre season preparation, as United have been unbeaten in the opening friendlies, but this opener against a side that finished well last season, may well be a different kettle of fish. The Tangerines manager Mark Butler is seeking to manage  supporters expectations when he announced that he did not expect to secure promotion. Whilst Hastings do appear to have a solid defence and a number of options upfront, it is in midfield that there could be vulnerabilities.

Frankie Sawyer, who began to emerge as striker with real potential, has looked sharp pre season and he is being tipped to make a real impact in this campaign. Last season’s opener saw Hastings leak six goals at Billericay so supporters are well used to opening shocks.

Roger Sinden for 107.8 ARROW FM  at the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United ( 1 )  Ashford Town  ( 2 )

The scoreline flattered that a youthful Hastings side who were outplayed by visitors Ashford for two thirds of the game. Marc  Whiteman’s goal on 90 minutes, when he slid past the advancing Craig Ross, gave United a consolation goal but they could have been further behind at that stage  to an over elaborate Ashford side could have had a hatful.

Hastings enjoyed their brightest spell in the opening 20 minutes and Frankie Sawyer will rue three missed chances in that period. A delayed shot on 5 minutes and a wayward header on 9 minutes might have seen more reward on other days and then he struck the goal frame on 20 minutes with the ball rebounding to safety. From then on Hastings fell away sharply away and the visitors took control. 

The opening goal came on 30 minutes when a corner on the left was headed powerfully under the bar by Scott Harris, with no defender challenging and goalkeeper Chris May not commanding his box.

The second half was a tepid affair and Whiteman’s late strike at the death was the only goal bound effort that United could muster. Before then the visitors had sewn the game up when they caught Chris May off his line and Scott Harris found the unguarded net for his second. The ability to hold on to possession was the chief failing this afternoon and the need for more experience clearly evident.

Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for Saturday Sport  where it finished

Hastings United ( 1 ) Ashford Town ( 2 )