Hastings draw against nine-man leaders

The U’s thought they had taken the lead after only three minutes but Kenny Pogue’s header was ruled offside.

Lowestoft, whose late arrival at The Pilot Field meant the match kicked-off half-an-hour late, went close through Curtis Haynes-Brown before Joe Francis’ low cross squirmed under the body of Clark Masters and went out for a corner.

Hastings struggled to find a way past a solid visiting backline despite the return of Frankie Sawyer to their forward ranks, and it was Lowestoft who came closest to claiming the points in a drab second half when Adam Smith’s free kick cleared the upright.

Lee McGlone was given his marching orders 20 minutes from time after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession and Andrew Fisk was shown a straight red in stoppage time following an off-the-ball challenge.

Hastings are back in league action on Tuesday when they entertain AFC Hornchurch, kick-off 7.45pm.