The forward netted from close range in the first minute of added time after substitute Frankie Sawyer had twice been denied during a goalmouth melee.

The victory was just what Hastings needed after the miserable midweek defeat at home to Harrow Borough, a result which saw them plunge to second from bottom in the fledgling Ryman Premier table.

The U's were boosted by new arrival Andy Ballard - signed on a dual registration basis from Eastbourne Borough - whose organisational skills and presence in the heart of the defence bolstered the back-line.

Harlow offered the greater threat in the opening half-an-hour as they adapted quicker to the rain-soaked playing surface at Barrows Farm Stadium. Clydie Roberts had one effort charged down and Mark Taylor let fly from long range but Greg Nessling palmed over.

The visitors gradually came more into the game and during a bright spell of attacking play went close on three occasions. Scott Ramsay was denied by a decent save from James Hasell, Nathan Russell headed wide from the subsequent corner and Whiteman blazed over from Danny Spice's pull back.

Soon after the restart, Jack Franklin unleashed a well-struck drive from 25 yards which was only kept out by a flying save from Hasell.

Harlow always looked dangerous with James Bunn going close before Rhys Whyborne was in the right place to clear from near his own goal-line.

The U's came close to breaking the deadlock when Sam Adams played in Whiteman but he was always stretching and his shot flashed agonisingly past the post.

Bunn should have done better from 12 yards before Jack Dixon - who impressed as a second half substitute - troubled Hasell with a free kick from in excess of 30 yards.

The home goalkeeper also did well to beat out a Whiteman drive which had seemed destined for the top corner before Dixon smacked another opportunity just wide of the upright.

With the match seemingly destined for a draw Whyborne headed forward and the ball kicked up beyond the covering defender which allowed Sawyer to race clear on goal.

Hasell saved the first effort and then Danny Chapman got back to block the rebound, but Sawyer kept his cool to pick out Whiteman who made no mistake to spark wild celebrations among the small but vocal band of travelling Hastings supporters.

Hastings - who jumped four places to 17th in the table on the back of this result - return to action on Tuesday when fifth-placed Carshalton Athletic visit The Pilot Field, kick-off 7.45pm.