Victory at Maldon & Tiptree concludes Hastings United pre-season

Striker Tom Chalmers scoring the only goal, heading home after nine minutes. The result means United have won six, drawn two and lost two in their preparations for the new season.

Before Saturday’s game, the ‘U’s announced the welcome news that Jake Elliott, one of last season’s outstanding performers, had committed himself to the forthcoming campaign.

Maldon & Tiptree is a lovely setting. The day is dry, the sky blue and the pitch in great condition. The ‘U’s resplendent in their white shirts, claret shorts and socks combination.

The Jammers got us underway and made a positive start. An early corner drilled in low where a near-post shot was hit wide. Minutes later a straightforward ball over the top released an M&T forward but he lofted over the bar when a shot on target looked easier.

United began to get a foot on the ball which immediately paid dividends. Sam Adams, Sam Cruttwell and Tom Chalmers worked their way down the right to win a throw-in adjacent to the M&T area. A long throw-in bounced high and Chalmers flicked a header from near the by-line which drifted over the goalkeeper and dropped inside the far post to open the scoring. There was some puzzlement amongst the players, it seemed there had been some misdemeanour, perhaps the ball had bounced out of play? The officials though deemed nothing amiss and the goal stood.

The ‘U’s continued to press forward. A long accurate ball out from goalkeeper Louis Rogers was flicked on by Ollie Black to United’s #15 (a triallist) who sped into the area and pulled the ball back to Chalmers who in turn set up Adams. His shot from the edge of the area was on target but saved low down.

There was a good ebb and flow to the game and midway through the first-half the teams exchanged half-chances. For United, Adams and Chalmers combined again before Adams fired over left-footed. M&T went down the other end, won a corner from which a close-range header missed the target. Again the ‘U’s came close when Cruttwell’s inviting cross seem destined for Chalmers to nod home only for a defender to get a touch and concede a corner.

The final opportunity of the half also fell to United. #15 skilfully controlled a long ball and played a neat one-two with Chalmers then set up Cruttwell on the edge of the area. His stinging shot was well blocked by the thigh of the centre-half who was no doubt thankful it wasn’t a freezing cold December day.

Half time: Maldon & Tiptree 0 – 1 Hastings United

United restarted the game and were immediately on the attack. Rogers’ long ball to Black played through to Chalmers who steamed into the area. Only the goalkeeper’s speed of his line snuffed out the danger.

Ten minutes into the second half and it was Chalmers again with half a chance. Ryan Worrall began the move expertly cutting out the ball and feeding Adams in midfield, his through ball freed Chalmers only for the centre-half to nick the ball off his toes.

Not forgetting the hosts. At times the Jammers put together neat passages of play, but it took until the hour mark before Rogers was called into action to make a save. A scramble in the United area resulted in a snapshot which Rogers fell upon.

United pushed for a second goal and Kenny Pogue headed a United free-kick narrowly wide before Adams chased a long ball and forced the centre-half into an error which gave him a route to goal. Credit to the centre-half who made up for his error, chasing back and making a last-ditch tackle just as Adams was pulling the trigger.

With fifteen minutes to go Chalmers combined with #15, broke clear and was unlucky to see his shot deflected for a corner. From which Chalmers again, stretched to reach the corner and saw his header drop just wide.

Some of the twenty or so United fans, who had made the long journey, removed their shirts and beat the bass drum. Enjoying the day out and the late afternoon sun.

With time running out M&T continued to search for an equaliser and came close to it. First the centre-forward bought himself some space on the edge of the area and fired in a wicked low shot which Rogers repelled at his near post with strong wrists. With minutes remaining a deep cross from the left had Rogers at full-stretch to tip away from which a cross-shot fired in had Rogers diving to punch clear and he was back on his feet immediately to block a close-range shot from the centre-forward. Excellent goalkeeping which helped secure the win.

And so, like the British summer and sausages on the barbeque, you can stick a fork in pre-season. It’s done.

Full time: Maldon & Tiptree 0 – 1 Hastings United

Hastings United: Rogers, Black, Worrall, Elphick (3’ Adams, 82’ Walsh), Cruttwell (61’ Greig), Steventon, Ward, Chalmers, Goldsmith, Pogue,Trailist (Unused subs: Rodari, Pope, Capon)

[Unofficial man of the match: A highly energetic Tom Chalmers. Displayed strength, balance and skills throughout together with great link up play with the midfield. Technically proficient, scored the winner and could have had more.]

Next game: The new season begins on Saturday 12th September with an FA Cup Preliminary round tie, at home to Herne Bay. Kick-off is 3pm at the Pilot Field. Tickets only.