Fightback in vain as Hastings lose out

Hastings United's footballers suffered a second successive defeat against top four opposition tonight (Tuesday).
Action from Hastings United's 3-2 defeat away to Greenwich Borough last night. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteAction from Hastings United's 3-2 defeat away to Greenwich Borough last night. Picture courtesy Scott White
Action from Hastings United's 3-2 defeat away to Greenwich Borough last night. Picture courtesy Scott White

The U's lost 3-2 away to Greenwich Borough and finished the Ryman Football League Division One South match with 10 men.

United were two-down inside four minutes and although they were back on terms by the hour mark, it was in-form Greenwich who clinched their seventh successive victory in all competitions.

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The visitors got off to a nightmare start, falling behind to Daniel Young's close range finish from a second minute corner and further adrift to a similar goal scored by Robert Denness two minutes later.

Hastings United forward Frannie Collin gets off the ground. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteHastings United forward Frannie Collin gets off the ground. Picture courtesy Scott White
Hastings United forward Frannie Collin gets off the ground. Picture courtesy Scott White

Barry Cogan was denied by a magnificent save from the Greenwich goalkeeper as United tried to respond, but they remained two-down at half time.

United did hit back, however, with two goals in the first 15 minutes of the second period. Ollie Rowe pulled one back in the 51st minute with a header from a corner and Cogan's deflected shot squared things up nine minutes later.

The U's were only level for three minutes, however, because Jake Britnell's put Greenwich back in front at the third attempt after a tremendous double save by away goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley.

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United launched attack after attack in a bid to get something out of the contest, but it wasn't to be and Cogan was sent-off for a second booking during the closing stages.

Ollie Rowe goes up for a header. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteOllie Rowe goes up for a header. Picture courtesy Scott White
Ollie Rowe goes up for a header. Picture courtesy Scott White

The U's drop to 12th in the table as a result and are already 10 points below their opponents, albeit with two games in hand.

United: Pidgeley; Judd, Rowe, Davies, Butler (Watt); Stannard (Harris), Johnson, Cogan, Bodkin; Collin, Akrofi (Adeboyejo).

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