Hastings United hit five against Haywards Heath Town - but it was the defending that impressed boss Agutter

When your side hits five goals, you would expect the managers to praise the attacking prowess of his frontline.
Tom Chalmers. Picture by Scott WhiteTom Chalmers. Picture by Scott White
Tom Chalmers. Picture by Scott White

But it was the defensive performance form his forwards which impressed Chris Agutter last night.

A Kenny Pogue hat-trick from the subs bench inspired the 5-1 win - their first league win of the season - but Agutter was keen to praise the 'outstanding' defensive work they put in.

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Pogue hits hat-trick as Hastings United claim first league win in style against Haywards Heath Town

He said: "He’s [Kenny Pogue] been very good all pre-season and the first few games.

"He was brilliant against Herne Bay in the FA Cup and against Ebbsfleelt. HHe had the right hump not starting against Haywards Heath and rightly so. But he came on and he was brilliant.

"It wasn’t just his goals, but his all-round game was excellent. The 5-1 will get the headlines but the defensive work Ben Pope, Kenny Pogue, Tom Chalmers and Sam Adams put in last night was outstanding."

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And Agutter highlighted Chalmers' performance. He said: "Tom Chalmers put in one of the best defensive displays I have ever seen from an attacking player.

"His pressing, positioning, 1 v1 defending, winning the second balls, tracking runs was incredible. He got three assists last night but work off the ball was unbelievably good. For a 17-year-old it’s frightening how good he is."

Agutter was a little worried when he saw Shaun Saunders was back in charge of Haywards Heath Town after leaving in the summer, but was glad his side were ruthless against the struggling side.

He said: "When I saw Haywards Heath had reappointed Shaun Saunders I thought ‘oh no’ - he has always had his teams prepared and they are always up for a scrap. They are always competitive.

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"Since we have been promoted they are the toughest games we have had but last night we were really ruthless against them - it was a really decent performance."

Hastings United host league leaders VCD Athletic at the Pilot Field on Saturday.