Hastings United into next round of FA Cup after Dixon’s late strike

Jack Dixon struck the winning goal against ten-man Herne Bay to put Hastings United into the next round of the FA Cup.
Hastings United's Jack Dixon. Picture by Scott WhiteHastings United's Jack Dixon. Picture by Scott White
Hastings United's Jack Dixon. Picture by Scott White

With less than ten minutes remaining and the game heading for a penalty shootout, Dixon controlled Sam Adams’ pin-point cross and volleyed home to break the deadlock and take home the spoils for the ‘U’s.

Saturday 12th September, a warm day with sunny intervals, the pitch and conditions perfect for the return of competitive action at the Pilot Field. There is a Covid-maximum of 400 people in attendance and the ubiquitous smell of muscle-ointment in the air. Also, a tangible atmosphere which tells us pre-season is over, and this brings butterfly nerves to the pit of the stomach.

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For the first time, United are wearing their new first team strip of claret shirts, white shorts and socks. Herne Bay meanwhile are all in Blue.

Both teams fly out of the blocks. In the opening exchanges Bay hit a shot on target from distance which Louis Rogers claims, whilst at the other end Herne’s goalkeeper George Kamurasi pinches a low cross off Tom Chalmers’ toes.

United then go close after ten minutes which stems from a Herne Bay free kick. Kenny Pogue clears the danger from his own area to release Chalmers, he drives at the defence and slides a pass into the path of Pogue who, having made up so much ground, should hit it first time but takes a touch and is crowded out.

Back to the other end and Bay’s Zak Ansah breaks through and slides a shot past Rogers and the far post.

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Midway through the first half there is nothing coy about both team’s approach and the game is flowing end to end. United are edging possession but neither goalkeeper has been properly tested. What is clear is both teams are loving the thrill of being in a competitive game, the passing is sharp,and the tackles are flying in. The visiting fans sing an impolite song about the person beating United’s bass drum which results in the drum being beat louder.

Then, 35 minutes in, we witness five minutes of mayhem.

It begins with a United free kick hit long toward Craig Stone who deftly flicks the ball over a defender turns and shoots, terrifically saved low-down by Kamurasi at this near post. The resulting corner is headed goalward and cleared off the line.

Herne Bay speed down the pitch and release Ansah who rolls a pass back for T-T Walters to shoot, superbly blocked by Ollie Black for a corner. From which Rogers punches clear and plucks the return cross out of the air.

Rogers immediately launches a long ball downfield for Chalmers to chase. There’s a half clearance and a pass back to Chalmers who is flagged offside, but Kamurasi unceremoniously clatters him anyway.

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United’s players are unhappy and after a brief conflab between the referee and his assistant the inevitable red card is brandished. Herne Bay are down to ten men for the remainder of the game.

Half time: Hastings United 0-0 Herne Bay

United restart looking to take advantage of the extra man, but it is Herne Bay who again start the half quickly through Ansah, his shot is saved by Rogers. A minute later and we’re in the other penalty area to see Pogue’s header saved.

From there the ‘U’s spend twenty minutes patiently retaining possession, making the opposition chase around but though Dixon has a shot which drifts wide the young substitute keeper is untroubled.

Then, an out ball to nothing results in a free kick for Herne in the United half, which itself comes to nothing but is a reminder the game is scoreless, and that Bay are a dangerous team. Indeed, a misplaced pass gives Ansah a clear route to goal and only a terrific block by Rogers, out quickly to the edge of the area, keeps the scores level.

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Time is ticking on, the sun is dropping and some players are shielding their eyes. Pope hits an ambitious effort from 25 yards which flies wide.

The winner arrives with seven minutes of normal time remaining and the architect is United’s 16-year-old debutant Benn Ward, a midfielder by trade but playing at left-back today. The ball is switched from right to left and onto Ward who turns two defenders inside out to make space and roll a pass back to Adams. His accurate cross is straight at Dixon who expertly controls on his chest and drives a volley into the bottom corner. The home crowd erupts with a roar which has been missed so much.

There’s still time for Pope to fire inches wide and a final Herne Bay chance, a powerful shot from Bradley Stevenson which Rogers turns around the post for a corner. The full-time whistle follows soon after and the win is secure.

Full time: Hastings United 1 – 0 Herne Bay

Man of the match: Jack Dixon. Instrumental in setting the tempo in midfield and scored a fabulous winning goal.

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The Manager’s View: Chris Agutter spoke to me after the game. “To be back up and running is a massive positive not just for the club but for the town and the community as a whole. We were professional and disciplined, and we look again like a team that knows how to win. A very mature and solid performance.”

Hastings United: Rogers, Black, Worrall, Stone, Adams (’88 Capon), Chalmers (’49 Pope), Goldsmith, Pogue, Cruttwell, Ward (Unused subs: Elphick, Greig, Rodari, Sterling-Parker)

Herne Bay: Kamurasi, Cooper, Dawodu (’86 Stevenson), Harvey, Johnson, Edgar (’40 Colmer), Walters (’54), Carlton, Ansah, Fagan, Campbell (Unused subs: Lawrence, Bewick, Lightfoot)

Next game: The league begins on Saturday 19th September at home to Cray Valley PM. Kick-off is 3pm at the Pilot Field. Tickets only.

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