Steyning’s second-half storm sinks Hastings United

The Barrowmen travelled full of confidence following their 2–1 home win over Horley Town. Hastings, meanwhile, were looking to respond after just one win in their previous four games, although a strong start to the league campaign meant they remained in the top three.

A crowd of 1,034 watched on a cold Saturday afternoon as an evenly contested opening offered few clear-cut chances.

Hastings broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when a corner caused chaos in the Steyning penalty area, with the ball going in off Conrad Honore for an own goal.

Chances remained scarce for the rest of the half as both sides defended well, allowing the hosts to take a slender advantage into the interval.

Steyning came flying out of the blocks after the restart and needed just four minutes to draw level, with Alex Brewer powering home a superb header.

Brewer struck again only a couple of minutes later, finishing off a fine Barrowmen counter-attack to turn the match on its head and put the visitors 2–1 ahead.

Charlie Pitcher extended Steyning’s lead on the hour mark, latching on to a well-judged headed flick-on to make it 3–1 and give the Barrowmen a two-goal cushion.

There was also an away debut from the bench for new signing Tosin Dada, whose arrival from Billingshurst had been announced late on Friday night.

Hastings threatened to pull a goal back, but Steyning goalkeeper Alfie Mansell produced a superb save, diving to his left.

Jesse Sentamu then rounded off an outstanding second-half display in the 90th minute, slotting past Harry Haines to make it 4–1 and ensure the Barrowmen headed home with all three points.

The victory lifts Steyning to 13th in the league table, while Hastings drop to fourth.

Both sides return to league action on Saturday – Steyning host Punjab while Hastings travel to Broadbridge Heath.

Man of the match: Alfie Mansell