Hastings United Football Club

United See Off Invicta

Monday 7th October 2013

Hastings United 3-0 Folkstone Invicta

Just over 48 hours after United inflicted defeat upon Brentwood Town in the FA Trophy, United took on Folkestone Invicta in the league. A win would see United move up to second in the Ryman League South with only one point off the pace setters, Walton Casuals. Liam Willis reports.

The game got off to a very quick start, with both sides passing the ball with fluidity and confidence. No significant chances arose until Sam Adams won a corner, which he took and placed right on the head of Sean Kelly, who grabbed his third goal of the season by heading down beyond the defenders on the line to give United an eleventh minute lead.

Folkestone fought hard after the goal. Each player pressured United for the ball when not in possession and tackles were flying in left, right and centre. A half-hearted penalty appeal for United was waved away – Fobi-Edusei was shoved from behind by Blanks. A lovely bit of play by Danny Ellis and a dummy from Branco played in Richardson for a shot on goal for United, but was blocked by Liam Friend. With little to talk about in the first half, the 411 spectators were hoping for something more to happen in the second half.

It appeared that the fans got what they were asking for in the second half – Folkestone started brightly and got close to goal from a low cross. United’s first substitution saw Fobi-Edusei  replaced by birthday boy Jordan Woodley. United’s first significant chance in the second half came from Bailo Camara; a lofted pass from Ellis and good control from Camara sets himself up nicely, but it isn’t enough to beat Roberts in goal.

United doubled their advantage through Sam Adams on sixty-four minutes. A long ball from Pelling in goal and a good run from Adams left him with just Blanks to beat; Adams entered the penalty area on to his right foot and slammed the ball past Roberts’ left hand side.

United’s second substitution saw Branco replaced by Kenny Pogue. Folkestone broke-away from a drop kick and Stevenson drove a goal-bound ball into the penalty area, and Pelling had to react quickly to make the stop. The ball was cleared by United towards Kenny Pogue. Under pressure from Pogue, Blanks was forced to make a back-pass, however the back-pass was weak and Pogue pounced and slotted calmly underneath Roberts to make United’s lead comfortable, less than ninety seconds after coming on.

Bailo Camara managed to beat the offside trap for the second time and should’ve put United four goals to the good, but Roberts’ good positioning allowed him to make the save, just before Tom Gilbert replaced Tim Olorunda for United.

Folkestone enjoyed a good spell of their own. Stevenson’s freekick fell to Newman who struck on the half-volley, but was blocked by Richardson. Seconds later, Newman drilled a shot just wide of Pelling’s left from range. However United’s defence stood strong forcing Invicta to shoot from distance.

A couple more chances for United from Pogue and Woodley should’ve put United further ahead, but instead Roberts managed a save from Pogue, and Woodley shot wide. Folkestone’s final chance came from Yianni, who slammed a low shot against the post – the rebound rolled to Dryden who simply couldn’t miss, but was flagged offside. Only a few minutes later, the referee blew for full time. United’s comfortable win saw them go second with only a point off the top.

Hastings United starting XI: Pelling, Slocombe, Richardson, Camara, Judge, Kelly, Ellis, Olorunda, Branco, Adams, Fobi-Edusei.
Subs: Pogue, Gilbert, Cruttwell, Woodley, Burbridge.

Folkestone Invicta starting XI: Roberts, Vincent, Blanks, Friend, Chappell, Newman, Luchford, Stevenson, Yianni, Everitt, Austin.
Subs: Dryden, Tamang, Egan, Hayward.

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

Attendance: 411
Mr. Liam P Willis is Hastings United Programme Co-Editor

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