Kelly strike sinks leaders

Hastings United put a nightmare journey behind them with an excellent 1-0 win away to table-topping Walton Casuals this afternoon (Saturday).
Sean Kelly scored for the second successive game as Hastings United beat Walton Casuals. Picture by Terry S. BlackmanSean Kelly scored for the second successive game as Hastings United beat Walton Casuals. Picture by Terry S. Blackman
Sean Kelly scored for the second successive game as Hastings United beat Walton Casuals. Picture by Terry S. Blackman

Sean Kelly’s second goal in as many games gave United their second successive Ryman Football League Division One South victory and clean sheet in a game delayed by an hour after the visitors endured huge delays on the M25.

United defended well and looked lively in attack during the first half. Sam Adams struck the crossbar from a free kick in the closest either side came to a goal in the opening 45 minutes.

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John Maggs’s team took the lead on the hour as Kelly fired home from an Adams corner, just as he had done at Herne Bay on Tuesday. United midfielder Matt Darby then had a close range effort blocked and another shot deflected wide.

Jordan Woodley skied a great chance from the resulting corner before Bailo Camara struck the crossbar from another Adams flag kick. United hit the woodwork for a third time near the end when Danny Ellis teed up Woodley for a shot which came back off the post.

As well as completing an early season double over Walton following their 1-0 victory at The Pilot Field on August 12, the result moved United up to third in the table having played seven of their 10 matches away from home.

United: Pelling, Gilbert, Fobi-Edusei, Darby, Judge, Kelly, Ellis, Olorunda, Camara, Adams, Bah. Subs: Pogue, Woodley, Richardson, Slocombe, Burbridge.

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Top half standings (played-points): 1 Walton Casuals 12-27, 2 Crawley Down Gatwick 11-22, 3 HASTINGS UNITED 10-22, 4 Leatherhead 10-19, 5 Peacehaven & Telscombe 11-19, 6 Guernsey 10-19, 7 Redhill 11-18, 8 Faversham Town 10-17, 9 Ramsgate 12-17, 10 Worthing 11-15, 11 Walton & Hersham 12-15, 12 Herne Bay 11-14.

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