Blues Edge United - Hastings United vs. Leiston

The impressive stand at The Pilot Field

Once again the weather had a major baring on my destination and several games were called off before I settled on Hastings United vs. Leiston in the Ryman Premier League. Hastings had an impressive run to the third round proper of the FA Cup where they were beaten by Middlesbrough. In the league, Hastings' season has been a lot less successful. At the beginning of play they were just outside of the relegation zone and were just one point ahead of Thurrock who also had a game in hand. Leiston have adapted very well to life in the Ryman League and were doing well in their first season in the Premier League.

First half action

Hastings have a lot of the ball in the opening stages and are denied the opening goal by a last ditch tackle from a Leiston defender. Soon afterwards they have another chance when a corner is delivered in to the right area but no Hastings player can make contact. Leiston then have their first chance when after near approach play the ball is put well over the bar. Hastings get the ball in the net mid way through the first half but the striker is flagged offside. Leiston then have the best chance of the match but the ball is headed wide from close range. The visitors have the last chance of the half but the effort from just outside of the area clips the outside of the post.

Large covered terrace behind one of the goals

Hastings have the first chance of the half but the Leiston keeper makes a good save from an effort from just outside the box. Leiston then have a great chance following a defensive mix up and the Hastings defender is able to clear off the line. Leiston take the lead when the goalkeeper punches the ball from a corner straight to a Leiston player who lashes an unstoppable effort in to the net. Hastings almost equalise straight away but the keeper is able to tip the effort on to the post. The Leiston goal galvanises the home side and they have a couple of efforts which go just wide. The Leiston keeper makes a great save from point blank range and his side see out the rest of the game for a one nil win.

Hastings attack in the first half

The quickest way to get to Hastings from London is to take the high speed service from St Pancras and change at Ashford International. The journey takes around an hour and forty five minutes. The walk from the station to the ground has plenty of hills and takes around half an hour. There is a bus service from the station which stops quite close to the ground. The club house is quite big and gets extra points for the claret and blue colour scheme. Unfortunately, I arrived in Hastings a lot later than I would've liked and didn't get see much of the town itself. Around the corner from the station is Frank's Front Room which was a cool bar and had a couple of ales on.

The Hastings programme is one of the best ones so far this season. There is a lot of interesting reading, I really liked how there were pages describing Leiston itself which is useful if like me you know nothing at all about the place!

More first half action