United beaten in final pre-season friendly

HASTINGS United completed their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Blue Square South outfit Eastbourne Borough on Saturday.

The victory was sealed for Boro’ at Priory Lane with two first half goals. The first came from new signing David Knight and the second was from former Rye United left back Sam Cole.

Knight’s goal was a real peach as he drove a fierce volley in off the frame of the goal on 24 minutes to open the scoring.

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Ethan Strevett should have doubled the lead just moments later but played his part in Cole’s goal. It was Strevett’s defence-splitting pass that released Cole to drive the ball home low through the ‘keeper on 41 minutes.

Hastings were lively in the second half with Lee Carey and Josh Jirbandey going close while Matt Armstrong-Ford excelled himself with a fingertip save to deny James Walker a third goal for Borough.

Hastings almost grabbed a goal near the end as Zac Attwood crashed a shot against the woodwork after good work from sub Dee Okojie down the right.

The previous night Hastings went down 2-1 away to Ryman Division One South side Eastbourne Town.

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The hosts opened the scoring on five minutes through Ben Austin before the U’s levelled courtesy of Scott Manning who rounded off a decent move.

Hastings had chances to take the lead but it was Town who grabbed what proved to be the winner on the hour mark when Sonny Cobbs pounced on a loose ball.