FOOTBALL: Goal Drought Confirms Relegation
12 April: Canvey Island 1, Hastings Utd 0
19 April: Hastings Utd 0, Hashtag Utd 0
HUGH SULLIVAN
The relegation of Hastings United from the Isthmian Premier League back to its South-East Division was formally confirmed last Saturday when they failed to beat Essex visitors Hashtag United at the Pilot Field.
Ollie Black prepares another long throw
Having lost a crucial match 1-0 away at Canvey Island the previous Saturday, which assured the home side of survival, the ‘U’s needed not only a win over Hashtag but simultaneous defeat for the only remaining team they could now overhaul, Dulwich Hamlet. The latter were, as it happened, playing at home to Canvey, and at halftime the news from South London was that Dulwich were a goal down. But despite some near misses the ‘U’s could not conjure up any goals of their own in either half, while Dulwich scored twice in their second half to win 2-1 and render that failure academic.
On a dry pitch, with a high-bouncing ball and a swirling wind, the game in Hastings was fought with energy but little composure on either side. A sizeable crowd of over 1,100 urged the home side on and berated the referee for a perceived reluctance to penalise the visitors’ physical approach, but few will have come with any anticipation of watching a beautiful game. Both sides resorted to long, high balls out of defence, leaving respective forwards to compete for scraps of possession. Passing moves were few and far between.
For the ‘U’s, Davide Rodari competed tirelessly in the role of outnumbered target man up front, but young wingers George Walker and Charlie Scarles made little headway, and the midfield (missing the injured Adam Lovatt) lacked any controlling influence. Set pieces seemed the most likely source of a goal, either from Ollie Black’s prodigious long throws or Freddie Legg’s well-flighted corners, but although the ball bobbed on a few occasions in the crowded penalty area, no-one could apply a finishing touch.
Best moment in an increasingly desperate second half came when Rodari shuffled past a couple of defenders on the edge of the area and found space for a well-hit shot, but it went straight at the Hashtag goalkeeper, who saved comfortably.
The 0-0 final result extended Hastings’ miserable goal drought: only 34 goals scored in 40 league matches this season, with just 12 in 21 since Christmas. Striker and captain Rodari has scored 22 league and cup goals overall. Net highest scorer over the season is Fin Chapman with six and Tommy Fagg with five.
The ‘U’s were back in action on Easter Monday at Dover and will play their last match of the season tomorrow (Saturday) at home to Potters Bar Town.
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