First half treble sinks Crawley

Hastings United marched into the Sussex Senior Cup semi-finals with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Crawley Town tonight (Wednesday).

All the goals came in the first half as the U’s joined fellow Ryman Football League Premier Division side Bognor Regis Town in the last four, the draw for which has yet to be made.

Elvis Hammond set the ball rolling in the 23rd minute by slotting past Crawley goalkeeper Jonathan Maddison after Bailo Camara’s throughball wasn’t cut out by a Crawley defender. It was Hammond’s first goal for United on his home debut.

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United goalkeeper Daniel East denied Jonte Smith just before the half-hour and the hosts doubled their lead in the 35th minute. Zac Attwood controlled a ball from Dee Okojie before unleashing an excellent first time shot on the turn into the bottom corner from around 15 yards.

U’s full-back Rory Murphy struck the far post with a cross before sending over another delivery from the left which bounced up inviting for Attwood to blast home on the volley for the third goal in the 44th minute.

With the outcome effectively beyond doubt by the break, the second half was a bit of a non-event as United cruised to victory. Hammond went close a couple of times and Camara also had a sight of goal, while East was virtually untroubled at the other end.

The other two quarter-finals - between Brighton & Hove Albion and Three Bridges, and Eastbourne Town and East Preston - are due to be played next month. See Friday’s Hastings Observer for a full report and reaction.

United: East, Cox, Murphy, Carey, Richardson, Judge, Okojie, Dixon (Ellis 55), Hammond, Attwood (White 83), Camara (Elgar 89). Subs not used: McDonald, Stapley.

Attendance: 340.

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