Hastings flee from Police with trophy win – now for leaders’ test

Gary Elphick’s men produced their fourth successive clean sheet to draw 0-0 with their Southern League premier hosts in the third qualifying round tie.

Then their five penalty takers kept their nerve for a 5-4 shootout win that has set up a first round tie at home to Sussex rivals Burgess Hill, one of Elphick’s former clubs.

James Hull, Sam Hasler, Jack Dixon, Gil Carvalho and Sammy Adams were the heroes from the spot.

The Trophy tie will be played on Saturday, October 29 but before then United have four Isthmian premier matches in 11 days to tackle – starting with the visit of Bishop’s Stortford to The Pilot Field tomorrow.

Hastings visit Wingate and Finchley on Tuesday and Herne Bay on Satuday before a home clash with Potters Bar on Tuesday 25.

Elphick said: “The Trophy game wasn’t one of our best performances. There was a bit of rustiness after we’d not played for a couple of weeks but we’re still not fluid enough going forward.

"Keeping another clean sheet was a plus but we’ve got to start putting the icing on the cake at the other end. We’re creating chances but not as frequently as I’d like.”

Elphick said the squad had practised penalties in the lead-up to the visit to the Coppers and he was delighted to get through to set up the Hillians tie. "I know Burgess Hill well – they’re a good club run by good people,” he said.

"But our focus now is back on the league and I think the Bishop’s Stortford game will be our hardest yet.

"From what I’ve seen of them, they move the ball quickly and have exciting wide players. We’ll be respectful of them but have confidence in our own game.”

Hastings have released winger Carvalho – just weeks after letting another wide man, Kai Brown, move on.

Elphick said: “With both of them it just didn’t quite work out here for them but we wish them well.

"We’re always looking for new additions and I’ve one or two irons in the fire.”