Harlow Town v Hastings United - Saturday 6th September 2008

Pre Match Report

I’m Roger Sinden here at Barrows Farm Stadium, Harlow where today Hastings United visit Harlow Town”

With just one win and five defeats from six starts Hastings United hover just off the foot of the table and supporters look for an immediate improvement at Harlow this afternoon. After a narrow defeat at Sutton last Saturday, Hastings plumbed the depths at the Pilot Field on Tuesday night. Their 2-0 defeat against Harrow Borough, previously without win, was described by some supporters as the worst performance in living memory.

Clearly players’ confidence has been knocked by such a start and as manager John Lambert rejigs his squad in the quest for a winning combination, players end up playing in positions that are not their most effective.

Some brighter news this week is that the services of midfielder Andy Ballard has been secured from neighbours Eastbourne United and expect him to go straight into the side this afternoon. The frailties of midfield have been plain to see and they have struggled to retain sufficient possession to take the pressure off the defence or to provide decent service to the front men. Scott Ramsay a prolific goalscorer  whilst with Eastbourne United has failed to register in competitive matches this season but hopefully he can establish a quick understanding with former team mate Ballard to bring the best out of him.

Roger Sinden for Saturday Sport at Barrows arm Stadium Harlow

Match Report

Harlow Town (0) Hastings United (1)

A more organised and spirited Hastings performance in the face of sustained Harlow pressure saw United snatch three valuable points in stoppage time. Andy Ballard, newly recruited from Eastbourne Borough, made a significant difference to the Hastings defence. He marshalled the side to good effect and inspired confidence in all that he did.

The game was placed in doubt by torrential rain which made control on the sodden surface difficult.

Home supporters claim it was the most one sided games they had seen, with Harlow forcing  over  ten corners. Clyde Roberts saw a goal bound effort hit a Hastings defender and Nessling tipped a Mark Taylor free kick to safety over the bar.

Hastings goal efforts were few in number but a 47 minute effort from Jack Franklin was noteworthy, being tipped over the bar by goalkeeper James Hasell. Substitute Jack Dixon in midfield made an immediate impact for Hastings and had a couple of decent long range efforts but it looked to be heading for a goal less stalemate. The waterlogged conditions had the final say as Frankie sawyer seized on hesitancy in the home defence as the ball held up in the water, and raced to goal. His first effort was blocked by the goalkeeper, he was forced wide, but his low cross was rammed home by Marc Whiteman to set up three improbable but much needed points.

Roger Sinden at Barrows Farm Stadium Harlow for Saturday Sport
where it finished Harlow Town(0) Hastings United ( 1 )