Hastings United v Carshalton Athletic - Saturday 18th October 2008

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at the Pilot Field where today Hastings United entertain Carshalton Athletic

Goals scored by Hastings United at the Pilot Field are like London buses. You wait 9 hours for just one to come along, then five come along in one game.  Young striker Frankie Sawyer netted all five in an astonishing mid week win against Billericay Town, achieving the same feat as his namesake Graham Sawyer, some forty three years ago. Graham  then scored 5 goals in a match against Gloucester City and I was there to see it as a teenager.

Tuesday’s home win was the first achieved by Hastings on home soil, although they have fared better away from home with four victories. It should put the squad in good spirits for this afternoon’s FA Trophy Match against Carshalton Athletic. Carshalton are having an excellent season and currently lie second in the table. They have already won by a solitary goal at the Pilot Field earlier in the season in a league fixture and have in their ranks top goal scorer Richard Jolly who has registered 10 times this season.

At stake this afternoon is a match prize of £2300 with the prospect of progress to the second qualifying round where the prize money edges upwards to £3000. Having been eliminated from the FA Cup at the first hurdle and lost out on anticipated income; United will want to ensure that they keep their bank manager happy.

Andy Ballard will be eligible to play, although Eastbourne Borough could have asked for his withdrawal to avoid him becoming cup tied. What is certain is that the irrepressible Frankie Sawyer will be looking for more goals this afternoon. A draw this afternoon would see a replay on Tuesday.

Roger Sinden for SATURDAY SPORT the Pilot Field

Match Report

Hastings United ( 3 )  Carshalton Athletic  ( 1  )

A classy Carshalton outfit, currently second placed in the league, were surprisingly eliminated from the FA Trophy by a gutsy, if not convincing Hastings performance. Having secured a two goal half time cushion, Hastings inextricably collapsed in confidence and supporters endured a nervy display of erratic defending in an uncomfortable second period.

Richard Jolly, Carshalton’s  leading goal scorer, contrived to miss the chance of the match on 24 minutes. Rounding goalkeeper Greg Nessling, and with the unguarded net at his mercy, he inextricably delayed his shot and Nessling amazingly retrieved the ball at Jolly’s feet.

Hastings opened their account on 34 minutes when Scott Ramsay flicked the ball on to mid week five goal hero Frankie Sawyer who rounded Stuart Searle and tucked the ball in. On 40 minutes Scott Ramsay ended his personal goal drought when he headed a long Andy Ballard throw in at the far post, and United were in complete control.

Conceding an early goal after the restart was a turning point. Junior Kadi took advantage of defensive indecision and reduced the areas, setting up a prolonged period of indifferent defending against a barrage of corners. The usually lethal Jolly and Junior Kadi were guilty of misses as Carshalton scythed through the Hastings midfield with ease. Leigh Bremner also shot straight at Nessling when well set up, with the visitors tending to be over elaborate in front of goal.

In almost their only second half attack, United clinched the game on 88 minutes when Sam Adams through ball set up Scott Ramsay’s second. He slid the ball home from the edge of the penalty area. The match prize of £2300 will not solve the credit crunch nationally but will be of interest to United’s bank manager at least.

Roger Sinden at the Pilot Field for SATURDAY SPORT  where it finished
Hastings United ( 3 ) Carshalton Athletic ( 1 )