Preparing for a United corner (photo: Liam Willis)

…and the journey starts again.

Hastings United 1-0 Ramsgate

Saturday 31st August

Nothing can be match the truly memorable run that United had in the FA Cup last season. Reaching the Third Round of the FA Cup away at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium. As United were relegated, they had to play in the preliminary round in order to reach the qualifying round. So, for the second time in a week, Ramsgate came to the Pilot Field. United’s 3-1 victory would have given them confidence and they’d go for the same, but would Ramsgate plot revenge? HOT’s Liam Willis reports.

The Rams started stronger than United and had the first significant chance in the first ten minutes. Two dummies over the ball from the corner allowed Laslett to pull the trigger from just outside the penalty area, however Pelling was equal to the shot and managed to get the save. The realisation of what United achieved last season in the FA Cup may have hit all the new players and what they could achieve, so United started to pile the pressure on.

A few United corners went by with nothing to show for their efforts, however Tim Olorunda’s header went just wide of Hawkes‘ right hand side. On twenty-three minutes, United took the lead. A good challenge from Matt Darby won the ball deep into the United half, followed by a sublime through ball to release Kenny Pogue in space down the right hand side. Pogue fired a low cross into the penalty area to the unmarked Sam Adams who simply couldn’t miss a tap in.

The Rams nearly got a sudden reply though. A Murray corner found the head of Curtis Robinson which beat Josh Pelling, but didn’t beat Andy Henson, who made a superb goal line clearance. United gathered possession in midfield and passed the ball around well, before Pogue found himself in space. Adams played the through ball which sent Pogue clear of the defence and going one-on-one with  the goalkeeper, Hawkes who came out of the goal. Pogue directed the ball round Hawkes, only to see it roll against the outside of the post and out for a goal kick.

United started the second half brightly. A couple of unsuccessful corners resulted in Ellis crossing in towards the head of Pogue, who was denied by Hawkes‘ fingertips. Jamie Crone and Andy Henson were replaced by Tom O’Connor and Andy Corrigan. A few threatening chances came for a while but United had the best of any chances that came, and, went. Adams had a shot from the edge of the penalty area, which Hawkes again manages to get fingertips to and prevent United from doubling their advantage.

Pogue was then replaced by McLean. Sam Adams found another opening in the Ramsgate penalty area. However he took too long to pull the trigger and could only settle for a corner, which was wasted. Nearing the ninety-minute mark, United piled on the pressure once more. A thumping effort from Ellis from inside the penalty area was smartly saved again by Hawkes and not a minute later, a sublime half volley from Ellis was stopped again by Hawkes.

Deep into four minutes of added time, Pilcher took a freekick for Ramsgate from twenty-five yards. However the freekick went over Pelling’s crossbar and the referee blew for full time. United’s FA Cup Season starts again. A victory over Ramsgate and United host Guernsey in the FA Cup Qualifying Round One. Please note that this match is at the Pilot Field, and not on Guernsey Island. On 9 September, United are at home to Folkstone Invicta – see you there.

United starting XI: Pelling, Henson, Richardson, Darby, Judge, Kelly, Crone, Ellis, Pogue, Adams, Olorunda. Subs: J Woodley, Maclean, O’Connor, Corrigan, Burbridge.

Ramsgate starting XI: Hawkes, Sherman, Robinson, Wheatley, Hill, Laslett, Chapman, Murray, Rowland, Everitt, Miller. Subs: W Schulz, Pilcher, Reeves, Smith, Harris.

Attendance – 387

Man of the Match, as nominated for by Liam Willis: Sam Adams

Mr. Liam P Willis is Hastings United Programme Co-Editor

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