Back-to-back wins for United

Sam Adams struck twice in Hastings United's 3-1 win away to East Grinstead Town last night. Picture courtesy Joe Knight

The U’s followed up their 4-1 victory at home to Guernsey on Saturday with a come-from-behind 3-1 success away to East Grinstead Town in Ryman Football League Division One South.

United manager Dom Di Paola made a couple of changes to the starting line-up from the Guernsey game, with new boys Mitchell Hand and Kevin Keehan coming in for their first starts.

Ade Olorunda had a header saved from Taser Hassan’s cross and United goalkeeper Josh Pelling denied Layton Schaaf at the other end before Grinstead took a 21st minute lead. Matt Geard picked out the bottom corner with a 20-yard free kick.

Olorunda’s overhead kick was saved following a free kick as United trailed at the break, but they were level within 12 minutes of the restart. Taser Hassan’s shot deflected onto the crossbar and Sam Adams volleyed home the rebound.

Having got back on level terms, United went for the win and Olorunda was whiskers away from putting them ahead from a cutback by Hassan, who was causing all sorts of problems for the home defence.

Kenny Pogue had the ball in Grinstead’s net from Ronnie Dolan’s cross only to be booked, but then did get one to count as United went ahead in the 79th minute.

Sam Cruttwell, who had come on for Olorunda, delivered an inch-perfect cross for Pogue to score his fourth goal in two games following his hat-trick against Guernsey.

Second-bottom Grinstead, who were promoted from the Sussex County League at the end of last season, went close to an instant equaliser as Neil John was just off target following a Dan Turner cross, but United wrapped up the points with a third goal in added time.

Pogue got the better of his man on the left and presented Adams with a tap in for his second of the night as United celebrated their third away league win of the campaign and inflicted a seventh defeat on their opponents in nine home league games.

The result moves United up three places to 17th with 18 points from 15 matches. Their next league game isn’t until Saturday October 25 - when they go to Whyteleafe - because they visit Cray Wanderers in the FA Trophy this coming Sunday.

United: Pelling, Rose, Hand, Keehan, Ray, Pullan, Dolan (T. Olorunda), Adams, A. Olorunda (Cruttwell), Hassan, Pogue. Subs not used: Temba, Woodley, T. Olorunda.