Harrow Borough v Hastings United - Saturday 1st November 2008

Pre Match Report

“I’m Roger Sinden here at Earlsmead Stadium where Hastings United visit Harrow Borough

With six wins from their last seven matches, Hastings have become a form team  just in time for their  visit to bottom club Harrow Borough in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy. Such is the optimism at the moment that United should be at least looking to avoid defeat in a match worth £3000 to the eventual winners.

In the last week an away victory at Heybridge Swifts by two goals without reply, was followed up by a  mid week home win when visitors Ramsgate Athletic were beaten by three goals to one. Both matches were graced by goals which may well challenge for the title of goal of the season. Heybridge saw Andy Ballard  crash an unstoppable shot from 30 yards via the underside of the bar whilst Ramsgate were undone by Jethro Warren’s chip from even further out on Tuesday night.

 Harrow Borough have had a difficult season and languish at the bottom of the Ryman Premier Division with only one victory to their name. The cautionary note however is that the solitary success was achieved against Hastings at the Pilot Field and therefore nothing can be left to chance this afternoon.   Nathan Russell is sidelined with a hamstring reoccurrence but otherwise Hastings will look to a settled squad.Should a replay be necessary it will be at the Pilot Field on Tuesday night.

Roger Sinden for Saturday Sport at Earlsmead Stadium, Harrow

Match Report

Harrow Borough  ( 2 ) Hastings United ( 3 )

Hastings made it seven wins from eight starts but were undistinguished throughout the second half and were made to fight all the way. They were without Russell, the injured defender Nathan rather the radio entertainer Brand, and missed his composure at the back.

Hastings opening goals were straight from the Fawlty Towers script. Danny Leech’s back pass on 4 minutes found goalkeeper Andray Baptiste advancing from his goal and the ball rolled in slow motion farcically into the empty net.

The second goal on 27 minutes was equally bizarre with Sam Adams corner going directly into goal with the hapless Baptiste completely missing out, raising the question if he was from Barcelona.

With the driving wind and rain in their favour Harrow Borough were a different side in the second half and Hastings rarely emerged from defensive duties. Dewayne Clarke pulled a goal back on 47 minutes when he picked the ball up from the right and fired in a low drive just inside the post. Harrow’s Bobby Highton crashed in the goal of the goal of the game on 78 minutes when he  hit the roof of the net and the home side sensed victory.

With United looking shaky at the back under pressure Harrow lost possession  in midfield and a swift counter attack from Sam Adams. As a result Frankie Swayer’s  shot was blocked by Baptiste, but not held and Jack Franklin buried the rebound in the dying minutes. So Hastings edged closer to Wembley, no mean feat as they were only playing 5 miles away from the stadium today