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Leyton v Hastings United - Saturday 26th April 2008
Leyton ( 0 ) Hastings United (3 )
Hastings confidently made their Premier league future secure with a comfortable win at bottom club Leyton, who played out the last 26 games of the season without a win. Whilst the home side were unstinting in their efforts, they needed to defend for much of the game and the final score did not fully reflect the one sided nature of the affair.
It was inevitable that goals would eventually follow the possession, but two excellent Lee Carey free kicks paved the way. On 23 minutes his free kick on the left was headed into the roof of the net by Nathan Russell and then on 43 minutes it was Tim Olorunda’s turn to head a free kick home.
Brother Ade and Sam Adams missed a hatful of second half chances as Hastings had the luxury to pour forward in numbers, with Jani Seitsonen a mere spectator in the Hastings goal. Despite numerous chances Hastings did not add to their tally until the closing minutes. Sam Adams was tripped just inside the penalty area and for the third successive week he accepted the chance from the penalty spot, this time with a drive into the rook of the net.
A word of congratulation to manager tony Dolby who managed to stabilise a dispirited squad half way through the season and ensured that Hastings will take their place in the Ryman premier next season.
Hastings United v Ramsgate Athletic - Saturday 19th April 2008
Hastings United ( 2 ) Ramsgate Athletic ( 3 )
Hastings may still come to regret missed chances in front of goal, as in so doing they lost their final home match of the season this afternoon. With both sides looking for maximum points to confirm their respective fates, it is Hastings who are more likely to be bitin nails next week.
Hastings enjoyed much of the first half possession but contrived to find themselves trailing at half time. A long punt from goalkeeper Paul Wilkerson was miscued by Rhys Whyborne and Warren Schulz slid home on 40 minutes against the run of play.
For the second successive week United earned a penalty. This time Russell Ekdridge was sent sprawling and the reliable Sam Adams converted with a low precision strike. Five minutes later United edged ahead. A corner on the right set up Ade Olorunda and he toe poked home from 12 yards on 54 minutes and the Ramsgate jinx looked well and truly beaten. Ramsgate had other ideas and Stuart King’s free kick abilities proved a match winner.
The equalising goal came on 64 minutes when King’s free kick hit the defensive wall and looped into the net setting up a tense finale. The Hastings defence again conceded and King’s shot struck the defensive wall and the referee adjudged handball. The resulting free kick was from the edge of the penalty area, in a central position, and King’s bullet like shot on 80 minutes sent the visiting supporters home jubilant and prevented Hastings confirming their Premier Division status until next week.
Carshalton Athletic v Hastings United - Saturday 12th April 2008
Carshalton Athletic (0 ) Hastings United (1)
Hastings eased their relegation worries against all the odds in a matchwhich will linger in the memories of supporters for a long time. In so doing they increased pressure on hosts Carshalton Athletic who will need to win games in hand to get out of trouble. This was always going to be a tight six pointer and after weathering early pressure, Hastings edged ahead. Ade Olorunda had already gone close on 9 minutes when he saw a header from the visitors first corner cleared off the line.
A minute later Steve Elliott was tripped in the penalty area and Hastings were awarded a penalty for the second successive match. Sam Adams despatched thekick with confidence. Charlie Side, for Carshalton, responded almost immediately but his shot hit Worgan’s legs and rebounded to safety. Sam Adams fierce drive on 22 minutes was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Richard Barnard as he sought to register a second.
Defending the slender lead in the second half, Hastings were rocked by the sending off of Lee Worgan. He raced from his goal and was adjudged by the linesman to have handled out of his area, resulting in a straight red card.
Sam Adams took over the goalkeeping responsibility and heavily defende by outfield players playing deep, contrived to keep Carshalton at bay. Adams rarely was called into action and had no direct shot to deal with. The home side were ponderous in their build up, the home supporters grew restless, and to everyone’s surprise United held out for an improbable three points which could prove priceless.
Hastings United v Hendon - Saturday 5th April 2008
Hastings United ( 3 ) Hendon ( 4 )
Hastings slipped to a narrow defeat by the odd goal in seven in a match which entertained right to the end but ultimately disappointed. Hendon were the better side and seemed to have had the game sewn up when they took a comfortable two goal lead. Davis Haule had a free header on 40 minutes to open the scoring and the same player doubled the scoring on 56 minutes .A ball down the left flank opened the Hastings defence and Haule’s close range header finished off a perfect cross.
Two goals in two minutes brought the game to life and Hastings back into the game. On 65 minutes Russell Eldridge picked his spot when a break down the right from Sam Adams saw his shot initially blocked and then on 66 minur Ade Olorunda latched onto a through ball and lobbed the advancing goalkeeper from the edge of the area.
With honours even United immediately conceded on 67 minutes when Dennis Haule made it a hat trick of headers from close range with Worgan rooted to his line. United were determined to find a way back and Sam Adams made it three goals each with a chipped shot from 25 yards to set a potential draw up and a welcome point. However the visitors were keen to maintain their playoff challenge and Lubomir Guentchev fired in a cracking shot via the underside of the bar to edge the visitors back in front and for what proved the winning goal.
An excellent afternoon of entertainment but an outcome that leaves Hastings still facing relegation fears.
Heybridge Swifts v Hastings United - Saturday 29th March 2008
Heybridge Swifts (0 ) Hastings United ( 1 )
A single goal victory against relegation rivals Heybridge Swifts could prove critical for Hastings United’s survival prospects as they bid to remain in the Premier Division. In so doing Hastings recorded only their second away win in a season that has produced some wretched performances on the road.
That all important goal came as early as the 10th minute. Lee Carey picked up a return pass from Ade Olorunda and was hacked down as he shaped to shoot. Sam Adams converted the resulting penalty. Hastings enjoyed the benefit of a blustery end to end wind and the home side had difficulty in making inroads across the half way line as a result.
Inevitably the second half saw Heybridge enjoy more possession and a flurry of goal chances came their way. On 60 minutes Gary Burrell’s long range shot was taken comfortably by Worgan and then Eldridge at the other end forced a diving save from goalkeeper Ollie Morris Sanders.
As Hastings played the clock down in an endeavour to hold on to their slender lead, Burrell had two shots blocked by Worgan in quick succession with a follow up header then striking the bar and bouncing to safety.
It was Hastings who were to take all three points however and in so doing plunged their hosts back into relegation contention in what is proving to be an enthralling run in
Hastings United v Harrow Borough - Saturday 15th March 2008
Hastings United ( 1 ) Harrow Borough ( 0 )
If Hastings beat the relegation drop they will look to their improving form generally and the goal scoring prowess of leading scorer Ade Olorunda specifically, as having rescued them. There was not much between the two sides, with Hastings shading the first half, and Harrow having the better of the second. The pick of these Hastings chances in the early stages fell to Tim Olorunda on 24 minutes, with a shot that hit the crossbar, with the rebound bouncing clear safely and when Ade Olorunda headed over from Russell Eldridge cross from the left.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half with a free flowing move that saw Steve Elliott’s cross headed back across the goal and home by Ade Olorunda. Harrow were stung into action and began to take control, with Hastings resorting to a deeper defensive game. Despite the pressure the visitors rarely created clear cut chances. Lee Worgan left his line and misjudged a free kick but was relieved to see the ball cleared from the line, and then moments later the dived to save a shot from Constant.
The Hastings defence was well marshalled by defender Nathan Russell as Harrow swarmed forward and the closing tense minutes were brightened by some erratic refereeing by Lloyd Rendell. For once United refused to leak a costly late goal and three precious points were secured.
Hastings United v Borehamwood - Saturday 8th March 2008
Hastings United ( 2 ) Borehamwood ( 1 )
A brace from striker Ade Olorunda gave Hastings three precious points and kept alive their survival hopes against a disappointing Boreham Wood side which went through most of the game without mustering a shot on goal. In so doing United buried the memories of two away defeats.
The early exchanges were scrappy but Russell Eldrige, recalled to the side, looked dangerous on the left flank. A probing run by Eldridge set up Ade Olorunda, with a ball inside, and he beat Shane Herbert from the edge of the area. Eldridge’s long range free kick on 31 minutes eluded everyone and after bouncing struck the top of the bar. The Hastings defence rarely looked troubled and again Hastings went close when Sam Adams’ cross was deftly headed against the bar by Olorunda.
A single goal lead always looked uncomfortable but it was not until 79 minutes that the margin was increased. A perfect pass found Danny Leach with space on the left flank and he picked Ade Olorunda out, who had his back to goal. He swivelled and shot low just inside the far post for that valuable second goal.
In stoppage time the visitors were awarded a free kick on twenty five yards and Danny Barber’s low drive beat the wall and was fumbled by Worgan for a soft consolation goal. There was still a minute or so of play to endure but Hastings clung on to tale all three points against a Boreham Wood side that only pushed forward for the last quarter of the game.
AFC Wimbledon v Hastings United - Saturday 1st March 2008
AFC Wimbledon (4 ) Hastings United (0 )
There can be few complaints about the outcome at Kingsmeadow Stadium this afternoon, where AFC Wimbledon comfortably cruised to victory in front of over 2,700 spectators. Hastings set out their stall by chasing and closing opponents down in the opening minutes, and if anything they shaded the opening exchanges. Hastings Nathan Simpson provided a moment of hope when his dipping lob on 13 minutes saw goalkeeper Pullen back pedalling to push the ball safely over the bar for a corner. Hastings contrived to make a difficult task more challenging by conceding two free kicks which both led to goals, enabling AFC Wimbledon to take a stranglehold.
On 21 minutes Sam Hatton’s free kick central on the edge of the area left Worgan helpless as it hit the top left hand corner and then Robin Shroot touched home a free kick from the left flank. Two goals gifted from dead ball situations.
Luck deserted Hastings on two occasions in a couple of minutes. On 64 minutes Leach struck the bar from Gonella’s cross and then a minute later the same player saw his lob strike the bar with Pullen stranded.
The ascendency swung back to the home side on 74 minutes. Worgan’s save from Tony Finn conceded a corner and the kick was adjudged to have crossed the line by the linesman, with Lee Worgan credited with an own goal. The rout was concluded on 77 minutes when Ferguson’s close range header hit the back of the net like a bullet, leaving United anxiously running out of opportunities to fight their way clear of danger, and perhaps reflecting that they weren’t four goals inferior this afternoon.
Hastings United v Harlow Town - Saturday 23rd February 2008
Hastings United ( 2 ) Harlow Town ( 1 )
Hastings ground out three valuable points against ten men Harlow Town in a tense and scrappy encounter. It was sufficient to keep alive the hope of avoiding the relegation drop, and all eyes will be on other results this evening. Although Hastings Steve Elliott posed an early threat with a low across which eluded defenders and attackers alike across the face of the goal, it was the visitors who scored first.
On 8 minutes the Hastings defence was opened up on the right flank, the ball pulled back from the by line and James Bunn stabbed home with a low shot. The United defence looked jittery after this early setback, but steadied and saw the deficit pulled back on 33 minutes. There was a goal mouth scramble after good work by Ade Olorunda and brother Tim responded quickest with a back heel from close range.
The turning point of a second half which was low on quality was the dismissal of Harlow defender Ryan Kirby on 60 minutes. His crude challenge on Ade Olorunda warranted a yellow card, added to an earlier caution for kicking the ball away, culminating in dismissal. Harlow looked to hand on for a point but were finally undone on 75 minutes. Nathan Simpson exchanged passes with Ade Olorunda whose cross was fired home by Lee carey from the edge of the area. Goalkeeper Dumolin appeared to have the held it but it squeezed from his grasp and entered the net via a defender.
With Hastings playing the clock down, and shunning further chances to go forward, there was frenetic action in the Hastings penalty area as Harlow sought to snatch a late equaliser but it was not to be.
Horsham v Hastings United - Saturday 16th February 2008
Horsham ( 2 ) Hastings United ( 1 )
A dramatic last minute penalty was the cruel decider of this Sussex derby, when a draw seemed a fait outcome for both sides. Lewis Taylor hammered home from the spot with confidence and there was scarcely time to restart the game.
Looking for their first goal for four matches, Horsham broke the deadlock on 14 minutes. They caught Hastings on the counter attack and Lee Farrell latched onto a long through ball and lobbed the advancing Lee Worgan from 25 yards. The play was open and adventurous with Horsham taking full advantage of the end to end slope in terms of possession and pressure, without creating further clear cut chances.
Hastings looked more comfortable kicking down the slope in the second half and were awarded a free kick on 49 minutes. Lee Carey struck a well placed shot well from 20 yards inside the post despite the Horsham defensive wall, possibly taking a deflection on the way through. With the home side looking for maximum points to keep their play off hopes alive they pushed forward. On two occasions Danny Leach could have grabbed a goal on the counter attack, hitting the bar shortly after Carey’s goal.
It was panic stations at the other end when Horsham’s Stuart Myall struck the inside of the post with a clever free kick on the edge of the area, the ball rebounding to safety. With the game in stoppage time Myall’s free kick on the right flank was adjudged by the linesman to have been handled by Russell Eldridge on the edge of the area and that cruel finale unfolded.
Hastings United v Wealdstone - Saturday 9th February 2008
Hastings United (1 ) Wealdstone ( 3 )
Six minutes of defensive madness cost Hastings dearly against relegation rivals Wealdstone and the loss of three vital points has plunged Hastings back into the relegation zone.
The visitors took the game to their hosts straight from the kick off and included two loan signings from Watford in their squad to raise their game. Hastings did have early chances before the rot set in. Gonella’s persistence on the by line set up Ade Olorunda but his shot crept just wide of the post. Just a few minutes later Sam Adams ran clear from the half way line but he finished wide indecisively.
Inexplicably Jimmy Elford stumbled and lost the ball to Stephen Hughes on 27 minutes who advanced and beat Worgan for the opening goal and just three minutes later the margin had doubled. A cross from the right picked out Graeme Montgomery whose first time shot flew into the roof of the net from the edge of the area. The madness was completed on 32 minutes when Dan Spice tripped an opponent on the edge of the area and Stephen Hughes rolled the penalty home with confidence to give United a mountain to climb.
Early goals were required from the restart if United were to get back into the game but they rarely looked as though the game was retrievable. On 65 minutes there was some hope after Ade Olorunda forced home from close range after a period of sustained pressure and a fumbled corner, and Olorunda’s appeal for a penalty on 83 minutes when he went sprawling was unlikely to succeed. With difficult matches on the road at Staines and Horsham, United need to capitalise on the remaining games to avoid the unthinkable.
Margate v Hastings United - Saturday 2nd February 2008
Margate (1) Hastings United ( 2 )
It was lucky thirteen for Hastings United as they registered their first away win after twelve previous unsuccessful starts. Over the ninety minutes it was a deserved outcome over an indifferent Margate side which had won their last three matches and who are pushing for a play off place. They were hustled out of the game by a hard working Hastings side who are growing visibly in confidence with every game.
Margate did start strongly and Lee Worgan was in early action dealing with a dangerous free kick. Hastings began to enjoy more possession and took the lead on sixteen minutes with a well worked goal. Antonio Gonella on the right flank picked out Sam Adams who swivelled and shot into the far corner. At the other end, Nathan Russell, who had a fine match, almost diverted into his own goal as Margate finished the first half strongly.
Enjoying the advantage of both wind and slope Margate created numerous chances after the break. Worgan deflected a Ryan Peters shot for a corner, and desperate defending saw the ball eventually cleared. It was no surprise therefore when leading scorer James Pinnock netted from the edge of the area with a precision lob with Worgan out of his goal. Hastings were not to be outdone. A Lee Carey corner on 75 minutes was punched by Charles-Stevens straight to Antonio Gonella who angled a low shot past defenders on the line for a deserved which took Hastings out of the relegation zone.
Hastings United v Staines Town - Saturday 26th January 2008
Hastings United ( 2 ) Staines Town (0 )
The late local comedian Spike Milligan once posed the question “How do I get rid of stains?” and the answered “Drop a bomb on it”. United’s approach to Staines Town was less drastic, a combination of hustling, hard endeavour and closing the opposition down at the earliest opportunity.
Staines Town were disappointing and if anything were second best to their hosts in an uneventful first half in which neither goalkeeper was really tested until half time beckoned, when Russell Eldridge’s header from a long throw by Danny Spice drew a diving save from Shaun Allaway.
The game desperately needed an early second half goal to spark it to life and Hastings duly obliged. Neat work on the left flank saw Russell Eldridge cross low, Ade Olorunda swivelled and his well placed shot on 46 minutes crept in by the far post. Almost immediately, Gareth Rosbridger forced a diving save from Lee Worgan at the other end.
The goal served to raise confidence perceptibly, the first time Hastings have been ahead since 8 December, and more chances were to follow. Sam Adams saw his volley on 57 minutes rattle the bar and the persistence of Antonio Gonella created an opportunity for Sam Adams which he really should have done better with. Olorunda withdrew limping from the action just before the end, setting up a dream debut for Danny Leach. With Staines Town pushing up for a corner and stretched at the back, Leach raced from the half way line to slide the ball around Allaway from a tight angle to secure those important points.
Hastings United v AFC Hornchurch - Saturday 12th January 2008
Hastings United ( 0 ) AFC Hornchurch ( 0 )
Firstly the positives. Today’s game took place when most matches were postponed and Hastings did avoid defeat on a heavy pitch. The negatives were that the game was shapeless and devoid of too much excitement, and the point gained was insufficient to take United out of relegation worries.
Watching the game from the stands was newly appointed manager Tony Dolby, formerly of Tonbridge Angels, and he must be under no illusions about the enormity of the task facing him to keep Hastings in the Ryman Premier Division.
Lee Worgan, in the Hastings goal, was busier than his opposite number Dale Brightly, but his task was made easier by some wasteful finishing by the visitors. Dean Green missed an opportunity for the visitors on 11 minutes when Eldridge lost possession and unmarked Simon Parker’s header cleared the bar minutes later. Both sides relied on the long ball and chose to bypass the more creative option of midfield.
Hastings home striker Sam Adams raced clear on the half hour and beat the advancing Dale Brightly for possession on the edge of the area. He was forced wide in the process and the danger passed as defenders regrouped.
Antonio Gonella was the most likely to break the deadlock for Hastings in a tepid second half in which the visitors always seemed to be the more likely to take the points. On 88 minutes Gonella fired in an angled shot which was blocked on the line by a defender but a late winning goal really would have flattered the home side.
Chelmsford City v Hastings United - Saturday 5th January 2008
Chelmsford City (1 ) Hastings United ( 1 )
Hastings sprang a major surprise against league leaders Chelmsford by coming away with a hard earned point. With only the cushion of a single goal Chelmsford were undone at the finish by a super strike by substitute Kevin Rose, despite having the majority of the play throughout the game.
The home started predictably against Hastings, weakened by suspension and without Ade Olorunda for much of the game after he limped from the action. A drubbing seemed on the cards when Danny Spice blocked Chelmsford wide man Ricky Holmes on 10 minutes and referee Magill awarded a penalty. Lee Worgan did well to block Jeff Minton’s low shot but Minton, following up, netted the loose ball. For much of the first half City pushed forward in numbers and Hastings needed to wait until 25 minutes before goalkeeper Danny Gay had his first real touch in the Chelmsford goal.
The second half saw a strangely subdued Chelmsford side being restricted in their goal opportunities but although Hastings were enjoying more possession, goal opportunities were limited. Frankie sawyer played as a lone striker and rarely posed a threat whilst Lee Worgan made several saves to keep the margin to a single goal.
The home crowd was stunned in the dying minutes when substitute Kevin Rose picked the ball up just inside the Chelmsford half and scored over the poorly positioned Gay from fully 40 yards. Claret the Parrot, the Chelmsford mascot who had amused the crowd was, in football parlance, sick.
Hastings United v Tonbridge Angels - Saturday 29th December 2007
Hastings United ( 0 ) Tonbridge Angels ( 2 )
Life without manager Nigel Kane proved no easier for Hastings United than when he was in position and it was the same old story at the Pilot Field . Goals continue elude Hastings and fellow struggling teams are finding the points easy to come by, to the detriment of United’s league position.
Tonbridge took the game to the home side who are severly lacking in confidence, and enjoyed the majority of possession. Hastings could not be faulted for their enthusiasm or work rate, showing a preparedness to fight but heads perceptibly dropped when the first goal went in.
A poor clearance presented John Westcott with the opportunity to cut In from the right and he placed the ball low inside the far post on 16 minutes. At the other end Sam Adams sliced wide after good work from Ade Olorunda and then Olorunda headed over the bar after wide man Antonio Gonella had crossed from the right.
The second goal on32 minutes effectively killed the game off as a spectacle. Goalkeeper Lee Worgan rushed from goal to head clear on the edge of the area, and lee Storey following up, lobbed perfectly into an empty net from fully yards.
The second half was a miss match, with Tonbridge retaining most of the possession. Tempers became frayed and Hastings substitute Matt MacLean left the fray early after two yellow cards to end a short appearance. Hastings goalkeeper Worgan saved twice more the keep the score respectable. It is difficult to see where the next goal is coming from, let alone the next point.
Hastings United v Billericay Town - Saturday 22nd December 2007
Hastings United ( 0 ) Billericay Town (1)
Billericay Town completed the double over an industrious but toothless United side, although the margin was not as great as the opening day of the season’s six goal thrashing. Billericay were below United prior to the match but certainly had much more to offer on today’s performance and were rarely troubled. Having fallen behind in the second half, Hastings did make a spirited attempt to equalise but to no avail, looking at their most dangerous from dead ball situations. They forced several corners but could not make them count. The early exchanges saw opportunities fall to Lee Carey on 15 minutes but his shot cleared the bar whilst at the other end Rikki Burbidge missed a header for the visitors.
Hastings relied over much on the long ball from defence to Ade Olorunda but so often he lacked numerical support and any danger comfortably dealt with. The only goal of the game came on 57 minutes when Paul Shave’s cross from the right was headed square by Burbridge to Bradley Woods-Garness, whose volley hit the roof of the unguarded net.
With Hastings pushing forward for an equaliser in the desperate last few minutes Woods-Garness raced clear from the half way line but Worgan managed to block the ball and avert a certain goal to ensure that the margin was kept to the slenderest proportions. Again Hastings need to pick up points over the Christmas period from fellow strugglers Folkestone Invicta if they are to avoid the lure of relegation.
Maidstone United v Hastings United - Saturday 15th December 2007
Maidstone Utd(1 ) Hastings Utd (1)
Hastings emerged with a creditable away point after another improved performance against injury hit Maidstone Utd, although their first away win in the league still eludes them. They shaded the first half in terms of possession and were well worth their half time lead, but showing a proneness to defend too deeply, they needed to resort to desperate defending at times toward the end to share the spoils.
Sam Adams had two excellent efforts in the opening stages, a drive directly to goalkeeper Northwood on 21 minutes and then a longer range effort which just cleared the bar. A free kick on 35 minutes, disputed by home fans was played out to the right to Adams and his centre was headed home by Ade Olorunda.
Hastings conceded possession and territory after the break against a rejuvenated Maidstone side and defended well, despite the loss of the injured Williams. Maidstone substitute Tiess struck
The bar on 60 minutes with a bicycle kick and a Maidstone corner on the left saw Hastings again saved by the goal frame. In the ensuing melee the referee awarded an indirect free kick six yards out for dangerous play. With the entire Hastings side defending the goal on the line, Mo Takaloo was still able to force the equaliser home.
Ade Olorunda might consider himself unlucky that his break on the left saw his eventual shot creep wide of the post, but a point was a just reward for a hardworking performance in freezing conditions.
Hastings United v Heybridge Swifts - Saturday 8th December 2007
Hastings United ( 1 ) Heybridge Swifts ( 0 )
A big hearted performance in atrocious conditions saw Hastings snatch three precious points on a surface which made play a lottery. The visitors were faster out of the blocks and the Hastings defence had some uncomfortable moments early on, on the right side. Former Hastings star Stafford Browne looked the pick of the Heybridge front line and his powerful header on 12 minutes went directly to Lee Worgan. Hastings steadied and began to get the upper hand, with the Heybridge defence fortunate to see a sliced clearance go wide of his own upright for a corner. Worgan spilled a free kick, on a day when handling was difficult, but quickly recovered.
It was a huge surprise that the first half was goal less with Frankie sawyer striking the bar on 27 minutes when straight through and then Lee carey hitting the post with a curling shot.
With supporters still settling after the interval, the onlygoal of the game was registered. Frankie Sawyer picked the ball up from distance and shot from 25 yards for his first senior goal for the club. Goal scoring celebrations were extravagant. The slender margin was always going to be problematic with hastings defending too deeply but they covered bravely in numbers and may well have added to their tally just before the end with close efforts from Tim Olorunda and Ade Olorunda. And so three points were gathered to a roar of relief, the first league success since mid October.
Harrow Borough v Hastings United - Saturday 1st December 2007
Harrow Borough ( 1 ) Hastings United ( 0 )
A late goal in stoppage time left United pointless in this clash of two out form sides, and the outcome sent United to their seventh successive defeat. Manager Nigel Kane rang the changes and gave starts to Antonio Gonella, Frankie Sawyer and Ryan Andrews. He was rewarded with a decent first half which was full of industry and endeavour, but during which Frankie Sawyer wasted several chances.
His first opportunity came as early as the opening minute but he hurried his shot when a poor defensive header let him in. Two minutes later he skied over when Olorunda out him through. At the other end Hall headed against the post from a free kick. Lee Worgan was again in impeccable form and dealt confidently with the occasional danger.
The second half saw the home side in the ascendency in pouring rain. Hastings were defending doggedly although an Ade Olorunda header flashed wide at other end in a rare United sortie. With Hastings seemingly unable to score at the moment they appeared to be hanging on for a valuable point. They overcame a late harrow free kick which struck a post and rebounded to safety, but in stoppage time Albert Adomah’s well struck shot hit a defender and was deflected for that winning goal.
Borehamwood v Hastings United - Saturday 24th November 2007
Borehamwood ( 3 ) Hastings United ( 0)
Hastings early season promise was a distant memory this afternoon when they were well beaten for their sixth successive defeat. Still without a league win on the road they capitulated badly towards the end and finished with ten men as tempers became frayed. The game was not helped by ineffectual referee Quelch who lost control in the second half.
The game came to life with a goal out of the blue after Hastings had made the early running. Elliot Onochie was given too much time and space on 19 minutes and he turned and shot from 25 yards with the defence spectators. Hastings were unfortunate to see shots blocked from Olorunda and Adams but these were almost their only goal bound efforts. Adams missed a header on 25 minutes when the slightest contact would have led to a goal, Chris Bangura’s curling shot was only blocked by Worgan and Onochie followed up the rebound and scored his second.
As the temperatures dropped, tempers became more heated and there were two incidents that resulted in the teams squaring up. Tom Poole was sent off from one such incident but by then Hastings were badly beaten. Rhys Whyborne cleared from the line before Tommy Williams hammered the third home on 70 minutes. Hastings have a young inexperienced side and lack leadership, and desperately need to gather points to avoid a relegation nightmare
Hendon v Hastings United - Saturday 27th October 2007
Hendon 3 Hastings United 3
Hastings United did well to share the honours in an entertaining six goal thriller at second placed Hendon this afternoon. At one time Hastings were trailing by two goals but an inspired come back saw them edge ahead, only to concede an equaliser almost immediately afterwards.
The visitors looked impressive going forward but defended poorly, which kept the outcome uncertain right up to the end. Hendon quickly took the lead on 8 minutes when an unmarked Dean Green drove home with a low shot inside the far post after a cross from the right. Tom Poole, at the other end, set up a chance for Lee Carey and then went close himself but the home side eased further ahead with a second goal. Belal Aiteouakrim side footed home on 28 minutes and the visitors looked well beaten.
Lee Carey led the fight back on 36 minutes with a drive from 20 yards into the roof of the net after a knockdown on the edge of the area. His second on 55miutes was exquisite, curling the equaliser into the top left hand corner, and then substitute Kevin Rose added a third via the underside of the bar. It looked as if Hastings would record their first away league victory but an immediate equaliser put paid to that. A low drive from Jamie Busby flew in, again from the edge of the area, setting up an end to end finale. A goal bound header was hacked off the line at the death by a Hendon defender, but Hastings will feel delighted with such a fighting display against strong opposition.
Edgware Town v Hastings United - Saturday 20th October 2007
Edgware Town ( 1 ) Hastings United (2 )
Hastings edged into the second qualifying round of the Carlsberg Trophy and in so doing recorded their first away win of the season. Edgware Town, leaders of Ryman Division North experienced their first home defeat of the campaign. These bare facts conceal the reality that both sides disappointed in an undistinguished game.
Hastings were without the injured goalkeeper Lee Worgan and the suspended Ade Olorunda but adapted well and enjoyed good opening possession in the first quarter of an hour. They drew first blood on 18 minutes when a long throw from Danny Spice was miskicked by a defender and it fell to Tom Poole who picked his spot with a low drive from 12 yards. Thehome side enjoyed the best period of the game just before the interval and they snatched an equaliser on 45 minutes. A handball in midfield was missed by the match officials and Edgware broke quickly. The conceded corner was poorly defended and Jason Fernee fired home through a ruck of defenders for the equaliser just before the break.
Hastings edged in front again on 57 minutes with the goal coming out of the blue. Sam Adams picked the ball up some 30 myards out and his low drive from this distance caughtBonfield stranded out of position.
Egware pushed forward and the game became more open, with United dangerous on the break. Ricky White’s powerful drive looked goal bound but Jani Seitsonen’s save ensured further Trophy progress and the £1,500 prize
Hastings United v Chelmsford City - Saturday 6th October 2007
Hastings United (0) Chelmsford City (3 )
Hastings were well beaten by free spending Chelmsford City, who always seemed capable of upping a gear as required throughout the game. There was no disgrace for the Hastings side, who rarely looked as though they had the means to even hold on for a draw. Hastings looked most dangerous in the opening exchanges and a probing run by Dan Williams found in the goal area but his shot was hacked off the line. Worgan pulled off a great save from Bertie Brayley and then Ricky Holmes forced the goal keeper into action again.
The deadlock was broken when Dan Williams was adjudged to have pulled an opponents shirt and a penalty was conceded. Jeff Minton lashed the kick into the roof of the net on 40 minutes. In order to get back into the game Hastings needed to an early goal after the interval but instead they fell further behind on 55 minutes. A Hastings corner led to a swift counter attack down the left flank and the move was finished by Ricky Holmes. Sam Adams closed down goalkeeper Danny Gay and forced an error. He swivelled and shot, but the ball cannoned to safety off the post.
Seventy minutes saw both sides reduced to 10 men as frustrations began to tell. Olorunda went over the ball during a challenge, prompting a 20 man melee and referee Lloyd Rendell evened the punishment out by dismissing Hastings Olorunda and Chelmsford’s Duncan.
With Hastings running out of both time and ideas they were caught on the break and Kezie Ibe touched home when the defence as again undone on the left hand side.
Hastings United v East Thurrock - Saturday 29th September 2007
Hastings United ( 2 ) East Thurrock United ( 2 )
It was honours even in a game of mixed quality which really only came to life in the last quarter of an hour when United upped the pace. For much of the game Hastings were second best to their visitors, and did not manage to mount sustained pressure or retain possession for much of the time.
The first half was largely devoid of incident with Hastings only real chance falling to Olorunda. He appeared to have rounded goalkeeper Gore but the ball eluded both and was cleared by a defender. At the other end Lee Worgan saved well from Burns well he powered in a shot.
Sam Adams, celebrating his hundredth appearance for Hastings broke the deadlock on 48 minutes. Olorunda’s flicked header set up Tom Poole and a defender handled the ball whilst on the ground. Adams penalty was tucked away to the top left hand corner although Gore got a hand to it.
Hastings were unable to hold onto their lead for long. East Thurrock appeals for a penalty were waved away as an attacker went down but the ball still broke to Gary Ansell who fired in on 48 minutes. Poole’s volley on 65 minutes was worthy of a goal but was well saved but the visitors took the lead on 73 minutes through a Danny Harris header.
This stung Hastings into a spirited response and the equaliser came from Adams on 78 minutes. Good work by Olorunda on the right I pursuing a clearance saw him square the ball to Adams who picked his spot clinically.
Harlow v Hastings United - Saturday 22nd September 2007
Harlow Town (0 ) Hastings United (0)
Hastings United ground out a useful away point in a drab, uninspiring match in which they showed the same lack of goal power which was their undoing the previous week.
Harlow took the match to the visitors and thee were some early uncomfortable moments as the Hastings defence lived on the edge. Home forward Bunn tarried too long when and early shot may have registered. Jordan Fowler clipped the bar from 25 yards on 22 minutes, just after another dipping long range effort had nestled on top of the Hastings goal net.For Hastings, a snap shot from Russell Eldridge rustled the goal net.
The second half again saw Hastings under the cosh in the early stages and slack work by Elford, who was dispossessed, could have proved costly. Rhys Whyborne was having an uncomfortable afternoon with a number of fouls being conceded. He did well when Dean Williams got goalside and made a well timed late interception when anything else would have conceded a Harlow penalty. With the home side pushing forward chances fell to Hastings on the break. On two occasions cross field passes picked out defender Danny Spice on the right and his efforts reflected his calling with one leaving the ground and the other veering to the corner flag. Lee Carey almost nicked it near the end when a long throw was nodded on and his low drive was well saved by Dumoulin by the foot of the post. As for the rest it was instantly forgettable and anything more than one point would have been a robbery.
Hastings United v Horsham - Saturday 8th September 2007
Hastings United ( 1 ) Horsham ( 0 )
Hastings United maintained their perfect home start with their fourth consecutive win in a scrappy tense Sussex derby. Both sides had their pre match plans disrupted by the absence of key players through injury, and traffic congestion delayed the arrival of others.
Horsham goalkeeper Alan Mansfield saved well from Danny Ellis when he blocked his goal bound shot narrowing the angle on 12 minutes. The all important goal came fro a United set piece, where they looked the most dangerous, and Kevin Rose stole in to head Russell Eldridge’s corner home.
Horsham replied on the counter attack immediately and Gary Charman will consider himself unlucky that his header struck the post and rebounded to safety.
The second half became a scrappy affair with an over reliance on the long ball and with Horsham in the ascendancy. Direct goal opportunities were few in an error strewn second period, although Lee Carney hit the post for the visitors on 71 minutes with a low drive from the edge of the area. Hastings debutant Tom Poole showed some neat touches and might have scored with a little more luck. In a storming finish, Horsham’s Carl Rook saw his goal bound effort from close range blocked for a corner by Worgan and then a double save in stoppage time from Worgan ensured that United secured three unlikely points.
Wealdtone v Hastings United - Saturday 1st September 2007
Wealdstone (3 ) Hastings United (3 )
United won their first Ryman Premier point on the road with a controversial goal in stoppage time which had angry home supporters berating the officials for allowing the goal to stand. A draw was a fair result in an entertaining open game in which both teams preferred to come forward rather than defend solidly.
Hastings drew first blood on 28 minutes when he forced home a cross from Danny Ellis on the right but were unable to hold onto the lead for long. Wealdstone were level in a minute. A disputed free kick on the right was headed downwards by Peter Dean and it evaded Lee Worgan’s reaching arm by the foot of the post. With half time approaching the home team took the lead, a low cross along the edge of the penalty area was driven home by Ryan Ashe with a well placed low drive. Rhys Whyborne has rescued the visitors only moments before with a goal line clearance over his own bar.
Hastings needed an early response and it came in dubious circumstances. Danny Ellis was felled on the edge of the area, having disposed a defender through sheer persistence. It was a soft penalty as no danger was being threatened. Lee Carey converted the penalty with confidence.
An end to end tussle ensued with both sides looking as though they could snatch three points. It was the home side who edged ahead on 80 minutes. Peter Dean struck the bar from close range and Andre Delisser reacted first to force home from close range.
With virtually their last attack Hastings snatched a valuable point from Lee Carey. He controlled the ball with his right arm, after a long through had created confusion, and he stabbed home from close range.
Hastings United v Ashford Town - Saturday 25th August 2007
Hastings United ( 2 ) Ashford Town Middlesex ( 0 )
Hastings continued where they left off against Maidstone United and made it two wins in a row as they continue to adjust to Premier Division football. The result this afternoon was rarely in doubt against visitors Ashford Town, who have gathered only one point from their first three outings. The home defence was rarely troubled with defender Sean Ray back to his commanding best.
A penalty on 12 minutes settled the home side after the even early exchanges. Lee Carey’s long cross field ball picked out Ade Olorunda who appeared to be going nowhere when he was bowled over in the penalty area. Sam Adams converted the penalty with confidence.
The visitors were fortunate on 20 minutes, when Elford making a rare sortie had a shot blocked and Ellis hammered the rebound against the inside of the post and to safety.
It was an Adams goal again after the interval that proved crucial. Ade Olorunda’s precision centre from the right picked out Adams near the penalty spot and his ferocious low volley left Paul Buregss rooted to his line.
Substritute John Bradley may have added a third on 67 minutes. Olorunda’s centre from the right was headed goalwards from 6 yards and it really should have hit the target.
A thoroughly satisfactory performance against average opposition takes United three points closed to their end of season target, and nicely sets up Monday’s visit to Tonbridge.
Billericay v Hastings United - Saturday 18th August 2007
Billericay Town 6 Hastings United 0
The fixture list was cruel in pitting newly promoted Hastings United against Billericay Town who must be one of the strongest sides in the Premier Division. Hastings were second best throughout in terms of organisation and skill and although only one goal down at the interval, fell away badly to a rampant Billericay side in the second half.
Bradley Woods-Garness was the pick of the home forwards and he was foiled on a couple of occasions by the busy Lee Worgan before Tony Boot opened the scoring. He forced the ball home from close range after a Hodges corner on the left was hooked goal wards on 15 minutes. Chances for the visitors were few with the best opportunity falling to Olorunda whose lack of control let him down when put through goalwards.
The second half saw the floodgates open and Billericay doubled their lead on 54 minutes. A defence splitting ball picked Boot out and he netted powerfully, injuring himself in the process. Flack added a third soon after when a corner was not cleared and he forced home from close range. Six minutes later Woods Garness centred from the bye line on the right and Sean Ray deflected the ball past Worgan for the fourth. Indecision between Worgan and Ray contributed to the fifth. Flack nipped in and rounded Worgan before netting into the unguarded net. It was Wood-Garness who finished proceedings when he swerved his way through a packed defence, received a return pass and capped a virtuoso performance by drilling home.
Hastings need to urgently regroup before Tuesday when they entertain last years Champions from the Ryman First Division, Maidstone United |
