Vickers off again as Hastings lose

Hastings United’s survival hopes suffered another blow with a 1-0 loss away to Bury Town tonight (Tuesday).
Action from Hastings United's 1-1 draw away to Canvey Island on Saturday. Picture by Simon NewsteadAction from Hastings United's 1-1 draw away to Canvey Island on Saturday. Picture by Simon Newstead
Action from Hastings United's 1-1 draw away to Canvey Island on Saturday. Picture by Simon Newstead

The result means United remain at the foot of the Ryman Football League Premier Division and are two points adrift of a Wingate & Finchley side which occupies the final safe spot of third-from-bottom.

United have two matches remaining. They go to play-off chasing East Thurrock United on Thursday night before hosting mid-table Kingstonian on Saturday. The U’s have taken four points off those two sides already this season and they will probably need a similar return to stay up.

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Things looked reasonably encouraging for United during a goalless first half and they went close to scoring 10 minutes into the second period, but Bury landed the decisive blow five minutes after that when Evan Key headed home a free kick.

Bury goalkeeper Marcus Garnham was forced into a stunning save on 77 minutes before the night ended on a sour note for United as Tom Vickers was sent-off for the second successive Tuesday having only been on the pitch five minutes.

United: East, Adams, Murphy, Carey, Ray, Judge, Ellis, Crellin (Vickers 84), Okojie (Warren 70), Attwood, N’Diaye. Subs not used: Cox, Richardson. Attendance: 304.

Cray Wanderers and Lewes, two other sides battling against the drop, drew 2-2 with each other, while long-time leaders Whitehawk have been crowned champions following a goalless draw between Wealdstone and Lowestoft Town.

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Ryman Premier bottom seven (played-points): Cray Wanderers 41-42, Thurrock 41-41, Harrow Borough 40-41, Lewes 41-40, Wingate & Finchley 40-38, Carshalton Athletic 41-37, HASTINGS UNITED 40-36.

TONIGHT’S OTHER RESULTS
Sussex County League, Division 1: Crowborough Athletic 2 SIDLEY UNITED 1; Lingfield 5 RYE UNITED 0.

Division 2: BEXHILL UNITED 2 Newhaven 3.