Hastings United 1 Tonbridge 2

Match 52/10/870 - Tuesday, 22 February 2011 - Ryman Premier

Hastings United (0) 1 Perkins 61
Tonbridge (2) 2 Logan 7, Olorunda 45
Att. 562

Entrance: £9
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 54/7,893

Match Report

Hastings old boys, Fraser Logan and Ade Olorunda scored the goals that put Tonbridge’s promotion push back on course at the Pilot Field, unfortunately for the latter the night ended in the Conquest Hospital as a heavy challenge from the home side’s stalwart defender, Sean Ray left him with teeth hanging by a thread and concussion.

Tonbridge started the game like a runaway train and were as dominant in the first half as any visiting supporter could wish from their side. A couple of early chances went begging before Logan fired home from the edge of the six yard box following good work by Lee Browning.

A youthful Hastings side, one senior citizen remarking that the ages of their players wearing the 8, 9, 10 and 11 shirts collectively failed to reach his total years, were being completely overrun, with Lewis Taylor, in particular, far too strong for the hosts.

Despite their superiority, it took until stoppage time for Tonbridge to double their advantage, Olorunda was on the end of a Ben Judge knock-down to easily score from close range.

The second half looked to be taking the same shape as the first as chances came for Olorunda, Taylor and Browning, but just after the hour, Lewis Perkins scored, cutting in from the right hand side and with it the momentum of the game changed completely.

Whether Tonbridge were disturbed by the apparent seriousness of Olorunda’s injury, he was down for the best part of the eight minutes that were added, Hastings certainly piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser and in the time added, George Porter hit a post.

Overall, Tonbridge deserved their victory for the superiority over the most part of the game, but this youthful Hastings side appeared much better than their lowly league position suggests.

Since my last visit to the Pilot Field, the new floodlights have been installed and some new seats in the Main Stand make it an altogether tidier stadium.