Hastings stumble out of FA Trophy

HASTINGS United stumbled out of the FA Trophy after an ineffectual performance at home to East Thurrock United.

The visitors won 3-0 with all the goals coming in the first half of this preliminary round tie.

Hastings struggled to cope with Keith Martin whose runs from deep set up the opening two goals, the first of which arrived after only eight minutes when the influential forward got behind Jimmy Elford down Hastings' right and crossed for Mark Cartlidge to head home from inside the six yard box.

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It is was a similar story just past the half hour when Martin escaped the attentions of left back Russell Eldridge and although his shot from an acute angle was saved by Danny Knowles, the ball looped up for Scott Holding to make no mistake.

East Thurrock's killer third came just a couple of minutes before half time. Once again the Hastings defence was in disarray and after Vincent John's header had been partially blocked by Elford the ball looped up for Paul Linger to crash a dipping volley past Knowles.

The visitors could have been further in front by the interval but John failed to make the most of two good chances, volleying one effort over and sending a header skimming against the top of the crossbar.

Hastings manager Steve Lovell used all his substitutes at half time, bringing on the fit again Alan Tutton, Mitchell Sherwood and Steve Sands in place of David Henham, Steve Ringwood and Eldridge which meant a change to three at the back.

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The home side had more of the ball in the second half but this may have had more to do with East Thurrock taking their foot off the gas rather than their own performance.

At least they did manage to force the opposition goalkeeper into a save when Chris Honey got away from his marker and let fly with a well-struck shot that was beaten out by Glen Knight.