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Hastings free kick

The sweet smell of success

27 February 2013: Hastings United FC v Crawley Town FC

On the back of the first League win for Hastings since November, a 3-0 at Cray Wanderers, the morale was good amongst the Hastings players. A Sussex Senior Cup Quarter Final came next, up against League One’s Crawley Town. A home debut for Elvis Hammond and a semi final place to play for. United were the underdogs, but they’ve done it before. Remember, Staines Town? Bishops Stortford? Harrogate Town…? The Red Devils of Crawley Town now stood in their way! HOT’s Liam Willis reports.

The tempo of the game started well, with Hastings stringing together some good passes, and the first shot came from the boot of captain Lee Carey, which was always rising and went about 4 yards over Maddison’s crossbar. A second chance from Hastings saw Zac Attwood’s deflected cross nearly sneak inside the post, if it wasn’t for the good reflex of Jonny Maddison in goal.

Jordan Adekunle gathered possession deep in his own half, and a blistering run towards Dan East’s goal saw him drag a shot well off target. The goalkick from this effort saw Hastings United keep possession until Balio Camara sent Elvis Hammond through on goal with only Maddison to beat. Elvis kept his composure and slotted the ball underneath Maddison to give Hastings United the lead after 23 minutes.

Crawley responded from this, with Jonte Smith running the ball down the right hand side, and missed a fantastic chance to level, due to East’s excellent save, which put the ball inches wide of the post. More good play from Hastings saw Dee Okojie hold up the ball and square it to Zac Attwood, who turned, shot and put the ball beyond the reach of Maddison in the bottom right corner to double United’s lead.

Carey corner

Another United attack saw Rory Murphy cross a ball to beat keeper Maddison but rebound off the post only to be cleared away after panic in the Crawley defence. Poor defending again from Crawley Town saw their defenders fail to clear a cross from Murphy and the ball dropped to Attwood who volleyed it into the back of the net, to give Hastings United a 3-0 lead. Scenes in the Cole Warren Stand were unreal with celebration at this moment, as Hastings haven’t been 3-0 up before half time against a League One side much of late! Half time came only a minute later, and a satisfying half for the U’s saw them going in at the break with a comfortable lead.

A quieter second half on both accounts started and Hammond ran onto a ball from Zac Attwood and sent a volley just over the crossbar. Dixon was then taken off with a bloodied nose, and replaced by Danny Ellis. Both teams were playing equally as well for the next ten minutes, with no significant chances for either side. A couple of dangerous balls in from Crawley’s left hand side needed some contact from the Crawley forwards, but none was made and the chances were wasted.

More poor defending from Crawley Town presented Elvis Hammond with another opportunity, but a well executed back-heel was inches wide. A defence-splitting ball from Hammond gave Balio Camara a chance to get on the impressive scoresheet, but a very good challenge from Richeford denied him the opportunity to get a shot away. No real threats from either side in the final few minutes, but Zac Attwood and Balio Camara were replaced by Sam White and Charlie Elgar. Into the final injury time of three minutes, Crawley searched for a consolation with a set of corners, but nothing came and the referees whistle brought the game to a close. Attendance 340.

A very satisfying performance from the U’s sees them safely into the semi-final of the Sussex Senior Cup and a step closer to the final at Brighton’s AMEX Stadium. Six goals, two wins and two clean sheets in succession for the U’s is happily greeted and taken from the players, staff and supporters. More confidence is restored and belief among the fans. A home match to mid-table Hampton and Richmond Borough on Saturday, hope to see YOU there! Adults £10, concessions £8 and Under 21s free, but proof of age may be required!

Hastings United starting XI: East, Cox, Murphy, Carey (c), Richardson, Judge, Okojie, Dixon, Hammond, Attwood, Camara.

Subs: McDonald, Ellis, White, Elgar and Harry Stapley.

Crawley Town starting XI: Maddison, Richeford, Finch, Connolly, Rowson, Woon, O’Brien, Robinson, Smith, Elford-Alliyu, Adekunle.

Subs: Kouadio, Laing, Rowe, Melville and keeper Eden.

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Posted 12:59 Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 In: Sport

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