Sparks Fly At Sussex Derby!

March 30th 2013

Lewes 1-2 Hastings United

This Sussex derby is always a momentous occasion both for Hastings and Lewes. After a 3-3 draw at the Pilot Field in January, United visited the Dripping Pan at Lewes. Matt Cruttwell replaces Matt Armstrong-Ford in goal and United welcome three debutants before the non-league transfer deadline day on 31 March: Freddie Warren in defence, Aaron Rhule in midfield and N’Diaye up front alongside Zac Attwood. The pride of Sussex was up for grabs for one of these sides today, reports HOT’s Liam Willis.

Within seconds of kicking off, Lewes had a penalty shout, for a trip. However this was given as a free kick, much to the displeasure of the Lewes players. The free kick was whipped in with quite some pace, and was then headed wide by  Godfrey.

United however, knew the pride of Sussex was at stake, along with their relegation dogfight against Thurrock and Carshalton, and started to press harder. The U’s won a corner – taken by Danny Ellis towards the head of Sean Ray. The header looped over the top of Thorp and into the back of an empty net, without the defenders being able to clear it away. Lewes 0-1 Hastings United, after only 11 minutes.

The goal gave United a lift, and they looked hungry for more. More came, in style. Only two minutes later, United doubled their lead through debutant N’Diaye. Attwood curled in a free kick,  woefully defended, and handed N’Diaye a tap in beyond a stranded Thorp. Lewes 0-2 Hastings United and 13 minutes played.

More defensive slips from Lewes gave N’Diaye another fantastic chance to put United comfortably in front, but it was headed straight at Thorp but clean through on goal, with an awkward bounce. A special mention at this moment to all of the Hastings supporters who have sung their hearts out at all games this season, but especially to Pat McCrossan, who knows the entire Spongebob song!

United continued to press well, but failed to make anything count and capitalise on any mistakes from poor Lewes defending. A Lewes attack however, was soon cut out by the brave challenge of player/manager Sean Ray. Seconds later, Harding tried to chip over Matt Cruttwell, but it went safely over the top. Soon after the goal kick, the referee blew for half time and a very satisfying end to a satisfying half of football for United. Lewes 0-2 Hastings United.

Seconds into the first half, Matt Cruttwell gathered and caught a cross, but was then unfairly and disgracefully elbowed. Matt stayed down and we eagerly awaited the decision to determine whether he’d carry on or not – thankfully he did. Further United pressure saw N’Diaye break away down the right and cross a ball to Jack Dixon. A great chance but he places it over the crossbar – a tremendous let off for Lewes.

Jamie Crellin replaced Jack Dixon after fifty-four minutes. Another Lewes cross was gathered by Matt Cruttwell and once again, the effects of his earlier injury kicked in. Without a substitute goalkeeper on the bench, midfielder Sam Adams took over in goal with just over half an hour to play.

The standard and type of play seemed to change at this point. The game was starting to get scrappy and the referee seemed to be giving some harsh and marginal decisions in Lewes’ favour. One of these decisions  allowed Crabb through on the U’s goal. Sean Ray’s blistering run allowed him to catch up with Crabb, but a challenge from Ray conceded a penalty. Ray was booked for the challenge – some of the Hastings fans thought he was lucky to beat yellow. Beckford scored the penalty, sending Sam Adams the wrong way. Game on. Lewes 1-2 Hastings United, fifteen to go.

Shortly after, another strong penalty appeal for Lewes was waved away, much to the anger of many players who surged towards the linesman in appeal. With ten minutes to go, United tactically took off yellow-carded Rhule and replaced him with Jono Richardson. Lewes had the best of the game at this point, with the majority of the chances and decisions. Surely Hastings couldn’t let another lead slip?

Eight, yes eight, minutes of injury time were added at the Dripping Pan, which was probably fair in view of all the fouls and stoppages. Lewes took advantage of the eight minutes, with chances falling to Crabb, Godfrey and Beckford. A very long eight minutes for the Hastings United fans was brought to a close, much to the delight of everyone supporting Hastings and the players. Full time: Lewes 1-2 Hastings United.

United’s 5th league win this season sees them go equal on points with Thurrock, on 29 points. Wingate and Finchley drew 1-1 with Wealdstone, which puts them up to 32 points. The Met Police took three points after beating Carshalton 1-0, which keeps Carshalton rock bottom. Lewes, Wingate, Thurrock, Hastings and Carshalton will all have to fight it out now to avoid relegation.

United starting: Cruttwell, Cox, Murphy, Warren, Ray, Judge, Ellis, Dixon, Rhule, Attwood, N’Diaye.
Subs: Carey, Richardson, Crellin, Adams, Williams.

Lewes starting: Thorp, Brewer, Hamilton, Walder, Breach, Malins, Godfrey, Harding, Crabb, Beckford, Brinkhurst.
Subs: Dunne, Kay, Stubbings, Lewis, Madhani.

Attendance 788.
Hastings man of the match, nominated by Liam Willis: N’Diaye.

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