Dartford v Hastings United - Saturday 4th October 2008

Pre Match Report

“I’m Roger Sinden here at Hartsdown Park, Margate where today Hastings United visit Margate ”

The only solace so far in United’s difficult start to the season has been on the road. At the Pilot Field, United have suffered five straight defeats, with only one goal scored against ten goals conceded. Away from home it has been a different story with three league successes, and on each of these occasions the defence has not conceded a goal. This is illustrative of the approach that Hastings have adopted on their travels, allowing the hosts to take the game to them and looking for a counter attack if they have weathered the early storm. Such an approach is not quite so easy at home.

Today’s visit to Margate today should see a similar approach. Margate sit just one place above United with nine points from ten games and both clubs are seeking to pull away from the relegation zone. United were without a fixture last Saturday so manager John Lambert should have a squad which is injury free to select from. Hastings have looked a more balanced side of late, particularly on the left flank, following the introduction of  local youngsters Jethro Warren and Terry Payne and  loan player Andy Ballard has steadied a vulnerable defence.

Added interest today is added by the fact that Margate have some star names on the sidelines. Both former Welsh Internationals Terry Yorath and Neville Southall hold positions at Margate to support manager Barry Ashby, with Southall of course being a former United manager.

Roger Sinden for Saturday Sport at Hartsdown Park, Margate

Match Report

Margate  (2 ) Hastings United ( 3 )

A swirling wind made it a defenders nightmare at blustery Hartsdown Park. Margate struggled to clear their lines in the first half but surprisingly took the lead with their first real attack..
Michael Power’s through ball found Kenny Pratt clear of the Hastings defence. Pratt rounded goalkeeper Nessling, stumbled before scoring with the net unguarded.

Hastings Andy Ballard was using long throws to good effect and he set up the equaliser for Hastings on 17 minutes. His throw contrived to elude all of the defenders and struck Ben White who scored from close range.

A free kick on 30 minutes paved the way for Hastings second. Sam Adams free kick from 30 yards eluded the defensive wall and squeezed inside Lee Butcher’s post to edge Hastings in front. Art the other end Danny Stubbs struck a post and then saw two other good efforts miss the mark.

Hastings were under constant pressure after the interval and looked to have conceded when Power’s goal bound effort was cleared off the line by Nathan Russell as Margate searched for an equaliser. Danny Stubbs finally cheered the home card with a tremendous drive from 25 yards which eluded the diving Nessling to equalise for the home side who then surged forward in search of a winner.

Hastings stunned their hosts when another long Ballard throw caused confusion in the penalty area. The unmarked Marc Whiteman drilled home from inside the area to clinch the points for a Hastings side that have gained all of their league points away from home.

Roger Sinden at Hartsdown Park, Margate for Saturday Sport where it finished
Margate ( 2 ) Hastings United ( 3 )