Defender nets hat-trick as Hastings draw 4-4

Hastings United's footballers fought out a remarkable 4-4 draw away to Carshalton Athletic this afternoon (Saturday).
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Nov 2016, 17:47 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 17:01 BST

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Steve Watt scored a hat-trick for Hastings United in their 4-4 draw at Carshalton Athletic. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteSteve Watt scored a hat-trick for Hastings United in their 4-4 draw at Carshalton Athletic. Picture courtesy Scott White
Steve Watt scored a hat-trick for Hastings United in their 4-4 draw at Carshalton Athletic. Picture courtesy Scott White

Central defender Steve Watt scored a hat-trick for Hastings, while Tommy Bradford netted a hat-trick of penalties for Carshalton as a see-saw contest ended with honours even.

The two teams have now scored 84 Ryman Football League Division One South goals between them this season so an entertaining affair was always on the cards.

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Carshalton drew first blood in only the fifth minute when Bradford converted his first spot-kick after Sam Cole was penalised.

But United came roaring back with three goals in eight minutes to lead 3-1 at the break. Watt headed in Lenny Pidgeley's long free kick for the 29th minute equaliser and five minutes later Harry Stannard curled the ball home from the edge of the box to put United ahead.

Watt then headed his second and United's third to seemingly put the visitors in command at the break. United almost went further ahead early in the second period when Ollie Rowe struck the crossbar.

Carshalton then scored three times in nine minutes to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 lead. Mickel Miller drove home Carshalton's second in the 51st minute before Bradford tucked away his second and third penalties in quick succession.

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United were only behind for five minutes, though, as Sam Cruttwell's long throw was controlled and fired home by Watt to complete his treble.

Harry Stannard netted the second Hastings United goal in today's 4-4 draw. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteHarry Stannard netted the second Hastings United goal in today's 4-4 draw. Picture courtesy Scott White
Harry Stannard netted the second Hastings United goal in today's 4-4 draw. Picture courtesy Scott White

The result leaves United 13th in the table - nine points behind Carshalton, who occupy the final play-off place of fifth, with three games in hand.

United: Pidgeley; Butcher (Cruttwell 21), Watt, Rowe, Cole; Bodkin, Johnson, Cogan, Stannard (Dullaway 78); Harris (Akrofi 66), Collin. Subs not used: Pritchard, Nicholls. Attendance: 256.

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Harry Stannard netted the second Hastings United goal in today's 4-4 draw. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteHarry Stannard netted the second Hastings United goal in today's 4-4 draw. Picture courtesy Scott White
Harry Stannard netted the second Hastings United goal in today's 4-4 draw. Picture courtesy Scott White

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Related topics:Hastings UnitedDefenderHastingsBradford