‘Never-say-die’ Hastings United boost play-off prospects with thrilling come-from-behind win at leaders

The Us trailed 2-0 on the hour-mark. Frankie Merrifield fired home in the sixth minute before Darren Foxley doubled the Blues’ lead in the second half.

But a rip-roaring final 17 minutes saw United claim a thrilling win. Freddie Legg halved the deficit on 73 minutes before Sam Adams equalised with a minute to go.

And, with Bishop’s Stortford reeling, Ben Pope struck at the death to claim an unlikely three points.

Elphick said: “The guys have got great character. There’s a great team spirit and never-say-die attitude which we pride ourselves on.

“There’s standards that are set within the dressing room, and the lads always come up to the plate and do their best. That will never change.

“As long as I’m manager here, I’m hopeful that never-say-die attitude will always remain.”

The win in Hertfordshire snapped a three-game winless run and put the Us back in the play-off picture. Sixth-placed Hastings trail place-above Enfield Town by just one point.

The Us entertain midtable Billericay Town this Saturday, and Elphick has told his players not to rest on their laurels after their heart-stopper at Bishop’s Stortford.

He added: “To go to the table-toppers and win 3-2 is great, but I’m also wary of taking each game at a time.

“You’ve just got to look at the top teams – Erik ten Hag was dancing on the pitch with his players after the League Cup final, then Man United got beaten 7-0 the following week at Liverpool.

“You can’t lead with your chin in this game, because someone will knock you out!

“You’ve got to take each weeks as it comes. I’m already wary of the opposition on Saturday. The Bishop’s Stortford means nothing if we don’t back it up on Saturday.”

Hastings have no injury concerns going into Saturday, although Ben Pope will miss out through suspension.

The striker will miss the next two games after receiving his tenth yellow card of the season in United’s win at Bishop’s Stortford.