Four see red as United are beaten

Tom Vickers was one of four Hastings United players to see red at Hendon

Danny Ellis and Tom Vickers were sent-off when on the pitch, while Jamie Crellin and player-manager Sean Ray were dismissed without even entering the field of play as the U’s suffered their second loss in four days against mid-table Hendon.

As reported by www.hendonfc.net, the first half was largely uneventful, with the Greens taking the lead in the 21st minute courtesy of Lee O’Leary. The opening half-hour of the second period was also fairly low key before the chaos started.

Crellin was about to replace Freddie Warren in the 74th minute, but was asked to remove his undershorts as they were not the same colour as the shorts themselves. The midfielder responded with an abusive comment to the linesman and was given his marching orders.

Warren was allowed to continue so United still had 11 on the pitch, but was replaced by Rory Murphy shortly afterwards. In the 80th minute, United were reduced to nine men on the pitch when Ellis was sent-off for a dangerous challenge and Vickers was shown his second yellow card for dissent in the aftermath.

As the game entered stoppage time, unused substitute Ray was also dismissed for foul and abusive language. There was still time for Hendon to add a second courtesy of much-travelled former Football League striker Isaiah Rankin, who began his career with Arsenal.

United remain in the Ryman Football League Premier Division’s second and final relegation place, a point behind third-bottom Lewes with a game in hand. The visit from basement boys Carshalton Athletic on Thursday night now looks to be the proverbial “must win game”.

United: East, Cox, Warren, Carey, Williams, Judge, Ellis, Vickers, Adams, Attwood, N’Diaye, Subs: Richardson, Murphy, Crellin, Okojie, Ray.

Ryman Premier bottom six (played-points): Thurrock 38-38, Wingate & Finchley 39-38, Cray Wanderers 39-38, Lewes 39-36, HASTINGS UNITED 37-35, Carshalton Athletic 39-34.

Tonight’s other results:

Sussex County League, Division 1: RYE UNITED 3 East Grinstead Town 1.

Division 2: BEXHILL UNITED 3 Seaford Town 3.