U’s win to go top again

Hastings United have gone back to the top of the table after winning 3-2 away to Worthing this afternoon (Saturday).
Josh Hare gave Hastings United a 3-2 victory at Worthing with his first goal for the club. Picture by Terry S. BlackmanJosh Hare gave Hastings United a 3-2 victory at Worthing with his first goal for the club. Picture by Terry S. Blackman
Josh Hare gave Hastings United a 3-2 victory at Worthing with his first goal for the club. Picture by Terry S. Blackman

Josh Hare’s first goal for the club sealed United’s return to the Ryman Football League Division One South summit after the two-goal lead given to them by Trevor McCreadie’s double blast had been cancelled out.

Worthing goalkeeper Simon Lehkyj superbly saved McCreadie’s point blank header from a Sam Adams cross in the game’s first real chance. McCreadie put United ahead with a 38th minute goal that had been coming after good work from Ronnie Dolan and Kenny Pogue.

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United doubled their advantage in the 51st minute. Pogue turned neatly down the right and delivered an inviting cross to the far post where McCreadie nodded home, although he collided with the post in the process.

Lehkyj saved well from Dolan and McCreadie in two good chances for United to make it three. Lloyd Dawes then headed against United’s crossbar following a corner and Worthing halved their deficit on the hour when Kieron Pamment pulled the ball back from the right for Karl Akehurst to score.

McCreadie stabbed agonisingly wide after latching onto an underhit backpass, but Worthing levelled soon afterwards. Dan Turner’s cross to the far post was looped goalwards by George Hayward and Pamment had a simple finish.

United went back in front with turned out to be the winner in the 69th minute. Full-back Hare strode forward from the halfway line and exchanged passes with Pogue before coolly slotting past Lehkyj.

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Having also bagged a brace against Eastbourne Town the previous Saturday, McCreadie was denied his hat-trick by a fine save from Lehkyj at the end of a good counter-attack involving Pogue and Dolan. Previous leaders Leatherhead, incidentally, lost 2-0 at Folkestone Invicta.

United: Pelling, Hare, Gilbert, Olorunda, Judge, Kelly, Pacheco, Dolan, McCreadie, Adams, Pogue. Subs: Ellis, Darby, Slocombe, Woodley, Lee.

Top 6 standings (played-points): 1 HASTINGS UNITED 19-40, 2 Walton Casuals 21-40, 3 Peacehaven & Telscombe 19-39, 4 Leatherhead 20-39, 5 Guernsey 19-32, 6 Ramsgate 19-30.