Initially, The U's struggled to get out of first gear in the warm conditions at the Borough Sports Ground.

Sutton threatened to score almost at will and after Gavin McCullum had grazed the top of the crossbar the same player won a penalty - somewhat fortunately against Nathan Russell - after 14 minutes.

McCullum's spot-kick lacked any sort of power, however, and goalkeeper Greg Nessling was able to smother the ball on his line.

The home side continued to press and deservedly opened the scoring midway through the first half.

Sam Adams lost possession during a rare foray in the Sutton box and the ball was pumped downfield for that man McCullum who held off the attentions of Russell to shoot low inside the near post.

Hastings were back on level terms within four minutes courtesy of a glorious team goal which started with Ben Radley at left back.

The ball was worked into midfield where Jack Franklin picked out the run of the overlapping Antonio Gonnella who made no mistake with a neat finish over advancing goalkeeper Paul Nicholls.

The goal certainly seemed to bolster the confidence of the visitors and but for a couple of decent saves by Nicholls might have taken a surprise lead as Matt Maclean twice went close.

Sutton regained the lead five minutes into the second half when a clever pass by Dean Palmer beyond Rhys Whyborne picked out Delando Smith and his finish into the bottom corner gave Nessling no chance.

Matt Hann came close to killing off the contest with a drive against the crossbar, while Nessling did well to hold a couple of snap-shots.

At the other end, substitute Frankie Sawyer might have done better from Ben White's first time clip over the left back but he allowed Nicholls to save at his feet.

Although Hastings could have been dead and buried inside the opening 20 minutes, they showed commendable spirit in the energy-sapping conditions to keep plugging away but struggled to create a clear point-saving opportunity.

Hastings are back in action on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45pm) when bottom-of-the-table Harrow Borough are the visitors to The Pilot Field for what is - even at this early stage of the stage - a vital encounter.