Sutton United v Hastings United - Saturday 30th August 2008

Pre Match Report

“I’m Roger Sinden here at Gander Green Lane Sutton where today Hastings United visit  Sutton United ”

After a hard fought victory at Dartford’s impressive new Stadium last Saturday, by 2 goals to 0, in which Hastings survived early pressure and snatched two opportunistic goals, they came down to earth on Bank Holiday Monday with a heavy home defeat. The reverse to visitors Maidstone United, by four goals without reply was described by Hastings supporters as one of the worst for many years. Busy Gregg Nessling, selected ahead of Chris May as Hastings goalkeeper was nominated by match sponsor as being man of the match in a one sided reverse.

The visit today to Sutton United is far from easy on paper. Sutton were tipped at the start of the campaign to be championship contenders, but slipped to a surprise Bank Holiday reverse at Tooting and Mitcham after three matches without defeat. Hastings will have to keep an eye on Sutton striker McCallum who has scored four times in the first four matches. It will be the first league fixture ever between the two clubs although the former Hastings United did play Sutton United in the FA Cup in the late 1970s.

Hastings Manager is still exploring his strongest starting line up and could make further changes today. The considered view of many Hastings supporters is that the playing resources from which he is selecting desperately need strengthening, through the addition of experience, if they are to provide meaningful opposition this year

Roger Sinden for Saturday Sport at Gander Green lane, Sutton

Match Report

Sutton United  ( 2 ) Hastings United ( 1 )

Hastings early season difficulties continued against the fancied Sutton United who were made to fight all the way for their narrow win. A key factor in the match was always going to be the tussle between Hastings defender Nathan Russell and Sutton striker Gavin McCallum who had previously scored four goals in the opening four matches. It was McCallum who was tripped on 13 minutes by Russell but his resulting penalty kick was weakly shot at Nessling. McCallum inevitably got on the score sheet when he outpaced the Hastings defenders and drilled in a low shot on 22 minutes.

Surprisingly Hastings drew level on 28 minutes when Antonio Gonnella  raced clear and slid home past Paul Nicholas.
With honours even at the break, Sutton started the second half more purposefully and their early pressure was soon rewarded. Dean Palmer threaded the ball through to Delando Smith who picked his spot past Nessling on 57 minutes. Hastings rarely sustained possession to press their hosts, and had to rely only on quick counter attacks.

The lively Frankie Sawyer was set free by MacLean but his shot was delayed and smothered by the Sutton goalkeeper Paul Nicholas.

Sutton were extravagant with their missed chances and palmer struck the bar after a jinking run and Eribienne blazed over when he should have done better. Sutton look set for a good season whilst Hastings in contrast need reinforcements if they are to avoid a relegation scrap.

Roger Sinden at Gander Green lane, Sutton for Saturday Sport
where it finished Sutton United ( 2 ) Hastings United ( 1 )