Hastings hold high-riding opposition

Sam Beale performed well at left-back during Hastings United's 1-1 draw at home to Cray Wanderers. Picture courtesy Scott White

Hastings United Football Club held firm to earn a creditable point at home to top four opposition tonight (Tuesday).

Chris Agutter’s side drew 1-1 at home to Cray Wanderers in Bostik Football League Division One South, matching the result in September’s reverse fixture.

Both goals came during the first half, with debutant Calum Davies putting Hastings ahead before Michael Power brought Cray level.

Hastings made two changes to their starting line-up from the weekend draw at Shoreham. Tom Climpson came in at centre-half and Davies up-front, while Ollie Black dropped to the bench and there was no Sam Adams.

Cray came close early on as Brandon Scott’s angled drive was well saved by Hastings goalkeeper Charlie Horlock at his near post and Jay Leader’s free header from the resulting corner hit the post via a nick off another head on its way towards goal.

Hastings opened the scoring with a fine goal in the eighth minute. Dayshonne Golding’s low cross from the right was superbly swept into the far corner of the net by fellow new boy Davies.

For a while after that Hastings looked bright, energetic and played some good football, with Golding in particular catching the eye.

But it fizzled out rather too quickly and much of the rest of the game followed the familiar recent trend of too little possession and too much defending.