Win moves U’s off the bottom

Hastings United moved off the foot of the table courtesy of a 1-0 win away to Kingstonian tonight (Monday).
Danny Ellis scored the goal which gave Hastings United a vital victory at Kingstonian. Picture by Terry S. BlackmanDanny Ellis scored the goal which gave Hastings United a vital victory at Kingstonian. Picture by Terry S. Blackman
Danny Ellis scored the goal which gave Hastings United a vital victory at Kingstonian. Picture by Terry S. Blackman

A second half goal from Danny Ellis gave United a victory which moved them above Carshalton Athletic and within a point of Lewes, who occupy the final safe spot of third-from-bottom, with three games in hand.

After Jamil Okai missed a great early chance for Kingstonian, United dominated the first half at Kingsmeadow yet had nothing to show for it. Aaron Rhule’s shot from a Gareth Williams cross was blocked on the line before Alassane N’Diaye saw a header superbly saved.

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Jamie Crellin probably should have scored from a Sam Adams cross, while Sean Ray’s header and a Williams follow-up from Lee Carey’s resulting corner were blocked on the line. Crellin fired over from the edge of the box as United ended the opening 45 minutes in complete control but only on level terms.

The second period was much more even with considerably less goalmouth incident until Ellis exchanged passes with Carey and steered in a low shot from 20 yards within minutes of coming off the substitutes’ bench.

Tom Bird hit United’s post with a free kick from the edge of the box as mid-table Kingstonian started to see far more of the ball, but United held on for only their sixth league victory of the season, four of which have come on their travels.

Ryman Premier bottom seven (played-points): Harrow Borough 35-37, Cray Wanderers 36-37, Thurrock 34-35, Wingate & Finchley 38-35, Lewes 37-33, HASTINGS UNITED 34-32, Carshalton Athletic 38-31.

United’s reserve team, meanwhile, lost 4-1 away to Walton & Hersham in Suburban League Premier B after falling three goals behind by half time.