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Attwood ready to take his free-kick

Hawks Soar The Pilot Field

1 April 2013

Hastings United 0-2 Whitehawk

The second Sussex derby in a week for the U’s this time saw them entertain the league-leaders Whitehawk. United did beat Whitehawk in the cup, but the league is a whole different kettle-of-fish for the two teams. Relegation threatened Hastings and promotion chasing Whitehawk. Goalkeeper Daniel East returned for United after being on loan, but could his presence give United back to back league wins? HOT’s Liam Willis reports.

The first few minutes were quiet for both teams; however Whitehawk had the first opportunity of the game. Keehan won the ball, and struck a twenty-yard volley over the head of Daniel East. The ball beat East, but didn’t beat the crossbar that it thumped against straight into the path of Fraser, who headed the ball straight at East.

United started to pressure Whitehawk and playing into the wind wasn’t easy.  However, Freddie Warren crossed the ball into the head of N’Diaye who looped his header over goalkeeper Winterton and into the back of an empty net. However, United’s celebrations were cut short as the linesman raised his offside flag – a very marginal decision.

The disallowed goal gave United a lift and a greater intent to score. Warren shot wide from range and a corner from Lee Carey met the head of Ray, whose header was blocked and cleared. Whitehawk however, were not out of the game. They had chances of their own, all of which were squandered. More good possession and build up play from United saw Carey take a shot from range, which was low and hard, but comfortable enough for Winterton to get down quickly and save.

On the thirty-second minute, Henry surged down the right hand side with ease. A deep cross towards the far post was aimed at Mills and presented him with a header, which he buried out of the reach of scrambling East to give the Hawks the lead. United responded to this positively – N’Diaye passed to Adams, who laid a pass to Richardson and his shot soared over the top of Winterton’s crossbar.

Minutes left in the second half, and the crowd witnessed a stunning Zac Attwood freekick, which was heading precisely for the top right hand corner of Winterton’s goal. Winterton launched himself towards the ball, and with an outstretched left hand, pushed the ball onto the post and out for a corner. Half time came, United 0-1 Hawks.

United started the second half strongly. A trio of corners in succession came to nothing and an Attwood freekick was hit straight at Winterton. United were starting to show intent against the league leaders. The first change saw Freddie Warren make way for Jack Dixon.

Whitehawk continued to waste chances. Scrambling for the ball in the penalty area, it  was cleared by Judge and ran up by Jack Dixon. Jack continued to strive forward with the ball and eventually drove a shot straight at Winterton again. United continued to give the league-leaders a run for their money as the run of play didn’t reflect the top playing against the next to bottom team.

The game was put to bed with ten minutes to go. A Lee Carey shot was blocked and Whitehawk countered forward. Gargan surged towards East’s goal. East came out, but Gargan drilled low and out of the reach of East. United 0-2 Whitehawk. Gareth Williams then made his debut for United, with ten minutes remaining, replacing Jamie Crellin.

HUFC supporters watching eagerly

United still had fire left in them, a Jack Dixon cross was perfect for Jono Richardson who shot, but the unbelievable reflex save at point-blank range from Winterton prevented Richardson from getting on the score sheet. It was then East’s turn to produce a great save. A free kick from Jones was saved by the flying fingertip of East. Little came after this until the referee blew his whistle for full time. Certainly not a bad performance from United who kept the prolific scoring Whitehawk from drowning Hastings in goals.

Carshalton enjoyed a rare win at home to Hampton and Richmond Borough. A 3-0 victory saw them move up to within one point of United and Thurrock, who both lost 2-0. Thurrock lost to East Thurrock. Wingate and Finchley also enjoyed a win away at mid-table Hendon; Lewes lost to Bognor Regis. United are set to play Bognor Regis twice this week. Once in the Sussex Senior Cup Semi Final and the second in the league.

Hastings: East, Cox, Richardson, Carey (c), Ray, Judge, Warren, Crellin, N’Diaye, Attwood, Adams.
Subs: Dixon, Ellis, Murphy, Camara, Williams.

Whitehawk: Winterton, Pearson, Hinshelwood, Keehan, Lawrence (c), El-Abd, Henry, Losasso, Gargan, Fraser, Mills.
Subs: Rossi-Branco, Walker, Malcolm, Jones, Pacheco.

Attendance: 496
Man of the match, nominated by Liam Willis: Jamie Crellin.

 

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Posted 20:04 Monday, Apr 1, 2013 In: Sport

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