Rare home defeat for Hastings sees Ashford United take Pilot Field revenge

The ‘U’s took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Lanre Azeez fired home Sam Hasler’s enticing cross and were still leading when the clock ticked past 70 minutes. Ashford, who had upped the tempo in the second-half, equalised through Tariq Ossai’s splendid curling shot and took the lead ten minutes later with a header from Tashi-Jay Kwayie. United pushed men forward seeking their own equaliser and were caught on the break in the last moments of added time when Roberto Ratti sprang from halfway to drill under Louis Rogers.

How it unfolded

Tuesday 26th October, a 7:45pm kick-off on a mild evening being ruined by some pesky showers though these are not dissuading the arrival of supporters and there is a healthy crowd filling the ground. The pitch looks in good condition. Gary Elphick returns to the starting line-up for the ‘U’s with Kane Penn continuing at right-back for the injured Marcus Goldsmith. United sport their claret shirts with white shorts and socks while Ashford are in their yellow shirts and socks with green shorts.

Ashford get proceedings underway and also conjure the first half-chance after five minutes. A long throw into the area bounces in the six-yard box but the shot on the turn is mis-hit and Rogers is able to save. The opening 15 minutes is an even battle in midfield but with both defences on top against their opponent’s front-line.

United then start to get to grips with the conditions. A move involving Azeez, Dave Martin and Sam Adams allows the latter to strike a remarkable 50-yard cross-field pass from left to right, directly into the path of Hasler who hammers in a shot from the angle. It surprises everyone including the goalkeeper who somehow manages to lift his arms and parry the ball for a corner.

A few minutes later a Kenny Pogue flick-on gives Adams a sight of goal inside the area only for Ossai to nick the ball off his toe before he can shoot. An Ashford header follows but this lacks power and is easily saved before Pogue attempts an ambitious lob from 30 yards which drifts wide.

As we head toward the half-hour United break following an Ashford corner. Adams and Hasler are at the heart of the move before Martin’s cross is met by the head of Azeez at the far post but his header is off target and flies across the face of the goal instead. Moments later another chance. Azeez heavily involved before teeing up Pogue for a shot over the bar.