Hastings beaten by leaders

Hastings United were unable to build on Saturday’s much-needed win at Lewes as they lost 2-0 at home to Whitehawk this afternoon (Easter Monday).
Zac Attwood came closest to scoring for Hastings United against Whitehawk with a first half free kick which was tipped onto the woodwork. Picture by Terry S. BlackmanZac Attwood came closest to scoring for Hastings United against Whitehawk with a first half free kick which was tipped onto the woodwork. Picture by Terry S. Blackman
Zac Attwood came closest to scoring for Hastings United against Whitehawk with a first half free kick which was tipped onto the woodwork. Picture by Terry S. Blackman

A goal in either half did the damage as Whitehawk remain top of the Ryman Football League Premier Division and United stay in the second and final relegation position.

Whitehawk were whiskers away from opening the scoring in just the seventh minute when a terrific left-foot shot from outside the box by Joe Keehan struck the crossbar. The visitors claimed the ball had crossed the line after it bounced down, but the officials allowed play to continue.

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United had the ball in the net just before the 20-minute mark only for Alassane N’Diaye’s header to be ruled out for offside. Whitehawk got one to count, though, in the 32nd minute as a good cross from the right was nodded in at the far post by an unmarked Danny Mills from close range.

Zac Attwood came close to equalising six minutes later with a splendid free kick that was tipped onto the angle of post and crossbar by Hawks goalkeeper Chris Winterton. Attwood let fly with another free kick from fully 40 yards early in the second period which Winterton saved more comfortably.

United captain Lee Carey saw a goalbound effort blocked by Keehan and Hawks went straight down the other end to double their advantage in the 79th minute. Sam Gargan cut in from the left before firing past United goalkeeper Daniel East.

The hosts almost pulled one back when Jono Richardson’s close range attempt was kept out by a fine save from Winterton, while at the other end, East pulled off a diving stop from a long range free kick by Josh Jones.

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United: East, Cox, Richardson, Carey, Ray, Judge, Warren (Dixon 61), Crellin (Williams 84), N’Diaye, Attwood, Adams. Subs not used: Ellis, Murphy, Camara. Attendance: 496.

Results elsewhere were pretty mixed as far as United are concerned. On the plus side, Lewes lost 3-1 at Bognor Regis Town, Cray Wanderers went down 4-0 at home to Margate and Thurrock slumped 2-0 at home to East Thurrock United. Carshalton Athletic won 3-0 at home to Hampton & Richmond Borough, however, and Wingate & Finchley triumphed 2-0 at Hendon.

Ryman Premier bottom seven: Wingate & Finchley 37-35, Harrow Borough 34-34, Cray Wanderers 34-34, Lewes 36-32, Thurrock 32-29, HASTINGS UNITED 32-29, Carshalton Athletic 37-28.