Hastings boss: We deserved to win crazy game

Hastings triumphed 4-3 away to higher grade Leiston in Emirates FA Cup second round qualifying despite finishing the match with eight men and an outfield player in goal.

Speaking afterwards to Joseph Knight, Agutter said: “It’s a bit surreal at the minute because it was such a crazy game. The players deserve all the credit; they’re a fantastic group and thoroughly deserved the win.”

See also: * Eight-man Hastings hold on for amazing FA Cup win* Hastings on a high ahead of FA Cup clash* Hastings come from 2-0 down to win 9-2From 2-2 at half time, Hastings opened up a 4-2 lead. Leiston pulled one back after the first Hastings red card, but despite having two more players dismissed, Hastings held on for a hugely satisfying victory. Sam Adams (2), Daniel Ajakaiye and Kelvin Ogboe got the goals.

“I can’t really put it into words really,” continued Agutter. “Up until the first sending-off I thought we were in complete control. When we went 4-2 up I thought ‘game over’ to be honest because we were that comfortable.

“It was fantastic from the players to get into that position against a team from the league above. It wasn’t just that, it was how we played - we were really dominant.

“2-2 at half time I didn’t think was a fair reflection of where we were at. To get the two goals after half time was excellent. After that the fun started and the rest of the game I can’t really remember. Crazy.”

Hastings goalkeeper Charlie Horlock was the first player to receive his marching orders, for what the referee deemed deliberate handball outside the penalty area. Sam Cruttwell and Jamie Fielding received their marching orders later on, both for two yellow cards.

“We looked at Charlie’s and it’s not a handball,” said Agutter. “We’ve got that on video, it will be sent to the FA and hopefully that will get rescinded, I’m pretty sure it will.

“The other two were debatable at best, and the third and final one was ridiculous really. The referee seemed to want to get involved in the last half-an-hour of the game and unfortunately that meant three red cards for us.”

The win earned Hastings £9,000 from the FA’s prize fund (on top of the £8,890 the club had won in the previous two rounds) and a place in tomorrow’s third round qualifying draw.

“As I said recently, it’s the best dressing room I’ve been in,” Agutter added. “We’ve come from behind so many times this season and we’ve won so many games with late goals - it’s no coincidence really. If we’re at it and playing our way well, we can cause a lot of teams a lot of problems.”