More misery for goal-shy United

The U’s welcomed back captain Sean Ray after a seven week lay-off but not even a man of the match performance from the talismanic skipper could bring about a change in fortunes.

A mix up in the centre of the Hastings midfield led to the only goal in the 85th minute as Ricardo Joseph smashed in a powerful low drive.

The Us might have snatched an unlikely point when right-back Josh Jirbandey steered Sam Adams’ cross goalwards, but it was scrambled away at the back post.

The industrious Adams then sent a free kick over the bar with virtually the last kick of the game and there were boos at the final whistle as Hastings’ season continued to stutter.

Hastings: Chalmers-Stevens, Jirbandey, Elford, Ray, Beales, T. Olorunda (Sawyer), Cade (Pogue), Phillips, Adams, Barnes, Eldridge (Logan).

A full report and reaction will appear in Friday’s Hastings Observer.