Ten-man Hastings United secure point against title rivals

A scoreless draw at the TGS Pilot Field matched the score in the reverse fixture at the start of last season.

United had the better of the opening half-hour before Dixon’s transgression on thirty minutes changed the complexion of the game. Both sides struck the crossbar in the second half but neither goal was breached, and an end-to-end game finished with a point a piece.

Saturday 19th September, another warm day with a gentle breeze. United are wearing their first team strip of claret shirts, white shorts and socks. Cray Valley themselves look tidy in an all sky-blue ensemble.

In the lead-up to the game United unveiled their newly named ‘Steve Smith Stand’ in remembrance of a former favourite. And, immediately before the game the ground held an emotional minute’s applause for young United fan Denny Cornelius who tragically lost his battle with Leukaemia recently.

Cray Valley get us underway and create a good chance in the opening minutes. Francis Babalola makes space on the edge of the United area and tees up a colleague to shoot, forcing Louis Rogers into a smart save. Strong arms deflecting the ball clear.

United then put together two neat passages of play down the right which come to nothing but with possession it gives them a foothold in the game. Their first chance of note comes on ten minutes. A robust Dixon challenge in midfield wins the ball for Ryan Worrall to slide a pass into Raheem Sterling-Parker, he takes a touch and hits a low shot past the goalkeeper, but which rolls inches wide of the far post.

The next chances also fall to the ‘U’s. After switching play from left to right Dixon gives Sterling-Parker a run into the area and his low cross causes a mad scramble with first Tom Chalmers and then Ben Pope having shots blocked. The clearance falls to Dixon who this time frees Jake Elliott to cross from the right and again Chalmers sees his shot on target blocked.

With almost half an hour played the games pivotal moment occurs. Sterling-Parker receives a pass close to the touchline, three Cray players converge on him and there’s determination from both sides to win the ball. Players end up on the turf and Dixon joins the throng in an attempt to pick up the loose ball. The referee spots a wrongdoing and the upshot is a straight red for Dixon, presumably for an errant boot.

There’s no immediate change in the game’s impetus. Chalmers frees Sterling-Parker for a run at goal which looks promising until he overruns, and the opportunity is lost. Soon after Ryan Worrall drives in a free kick which the goalkeeper punches clear.

The Miller’s only effort in the remainder of the half is when Hassan Ibrahiym shoots so high and wide the ball leaves the ground and heads up the A21.

Half time: Hastings United 0 – 0 Cray Valley PM

Cray Valley are out early, or United keep them waiting a few minutes, either way it is the ‘U’s who restart. There’s no change in United personnel and early signs they are not going to sit back.

Seven minutes in and United come close to opening the scoring. Worrall forces the goalkeeper to tip over a 30-yard free kick and from the resulting corner Gary Elphick thunders a header against the underside of the bar. There are half-hearted appeals for the ball dropping over the line,but play continues.

At the other end Cray’s Kieron McCann brings a good save out of Rogers, pushing a low shot around the post. This was the start of a period of pressure with the Miller’s building up a head of steam, trying to make their extra man count for something.

Twice Rogers’ clearances strike onrushing forwards with the ball bouncing wide on both occasions. Then he tipped a header over the bar as Cray’s second half corner count increased. The impressive Denzel Gayle on the right wing was seeing a lot of the ball and him going toe to toe with United’s Ollie Black was a battle to behold.

The Miller’s best chance came from corner number seven after 70 mins. A powerful header smacked flush against the bar with the follow-up header landing wide.

From this United took heart and Cray perhaps had the wind taken out of their sails. In the remaining 20 mins there is little drama, until Cray forced their eleventh corner in the closing minutes and a final chance is headed well over.

Full time: Hastings United 0 – 0 Cray Valley PM

United played for an hour with ten men against an excellent side, who will undoubtedly be challenging for top spot, and restricted them to minimal chances. The ‘U’s held their shape, did not forego their own passing game and showed attacking intent throughout. Pope had an excellent game leading the line.

Man of the match: Gary Elphick. Having missed last week’s game, emerged here like a bear from hibernation, hunting down every scrap and morsel, winning numerous tackles and headers. Took the captain’s armband and delivered an immense performance at the back and was so close to breaking the deadlock with his header against the bar.

The Manager’s View: Chris Agutter spoke to me after the game. “I told the team at half time we need to embrace this opportunity and challenge. I also said, I expect us to attack, be aggressive and try and win the game. I thought it was an outstanding performance and a great show of the team’s spirit and character.”

Hastings United: Rogers, Black, Worrall, Elphick, Stone, Elliott, Dixon, Pope, Chalmers, Sterling-Parker (70’ Capon), Ward (Unused subs: Rodari, Goldsmith, Pogue, Greig)

Cray Valley PM: Walker, Dymond, Smith, Hickey, Tumkaya, Gayle, Babalola (70’ Adeyemo), Morath-Gibbs, Attenborough-Warren (46’ McCann), Ibrahiym (82’ Flack), Yusuff (Unused subs: Sains, King-Elliot)

Next game: FA Cup 1st round qualifying on Tuesday 22nd September at home to Chesham United. Kick-off is 7:45pm at the TGS Pilot Field. Tickets only.