Hastings held by basement boys

The U’s lack of firepower was once again exposed against the only team in the Ryman Premier yet to taste victory this season.

Managerless Leatherhead might have ended this run late on as they had a couple of efforts which flashed just wide of Lloyd Anderson’s goal.

Hastings did play some attractive football at times but once again the lack of a cutting edge meant actual efforts on goal were few and far between.

Ben Billings might have done better after Fred Foreman had intercepted a loose backpass and Jamie Crellin was inches away from turning in a Billings cross.

Youth team forward Lee Paine also had a couple of opportunities after coming on for his first team debut.

At the other end, Anderson saved well from Greg Andrews and Tommy Hutchings, Vernon Francis and Mark Simmons all had efforts off target.

Hastings (4-5-1): Anderson; Dixon, Ray, Jirbandey, Sutton; Jones (Pogue 47), Crellin, Hall, Carey, Billings (Bolwell 59); Foreman (Paine 78). Subs not used: Manning, Walder.

Referee: John Pike (Hurstpierpoint). Attendance: 248.

A full report will appear in Friday’s Hastings Observer.

Standings (all played nine matches): 1 Lowestoft Town 21pts, 2 Hendon 20, 3 Billericay Town 18, 4 Canvey Island 18, 5 Lewes 17, 6 AFC Hornchurch 16, 7 Cray Wanderers 16, 8 Bury Town 16, 9 Wingate & Finchley 16, 10 Wealdstone 13, 11 Metropolitan Police 12, 12 Margate 11, 13 Tooting & Mitcham 11, 14 Carshalton Athletic 10, 15 HASTINGS UNITED 10, 16 Kingstonian 10, 17 Harrow Borough 9, 18 East Thurrock United 8, 19 Aveley 7, 20 Horsham 6, 21 Concord Rangers 4, 22 Leatherhead 2.

Last night’s other results

Sussex Senior Cup, 1st round: SIDLEY UNITED 2 East Grinstead Town 3.

Sussex County League, Division 2: BEXHILL UNITED 0 WESTFIELD 1.

More to follow.