10-man U’s suffer first home loss

Folkestone Invicta goalkeeper Tim Roberts is beaten by a Zac Attwood strike for Hastings United's equaliser. Picture courtesy Scott White

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Hastings United’s footballers suffered their first home defeat of the season tonight (Tuesday).

The U’s were beaten 4-1 by new Ryman Football League Division One South leaders Folkestone Invicta after playing the entire second half with 10 men.

United were already 1-0 down when Sam Cole was shown a straight red card after the half time whistle had sounded. Zac Attwood scored a beauty to equalise, but unbeaten Folkestone won it with three goals in the closing quarter.

Although United midfielder Sam Adams saw a low 25-yard shot tipped around the post by Folkestone goalkeeper Tim Roberts in the first 15 seconds, Folkestone started the brighter of the two teams on a thankfully dry evening following the afternoon rain.

Josh Standford had a shot from outside the box well saved by United goalkeeper Josh Pelling low to his right before Folkestone took a 10th minute lead. Ian Draycott’s low ball from the left was turned home by Matt Newman from inside the six yard box.

United got into the game a bit more during the remainder of the first half, but Folkestone still held the upper hand and were certainly good value for their half time advantage.

A well-struck left-foot shot from Standford was beaten aside by Pelling at his near post and United’s goalkeeper later superbly tipped over a 25-yard attempt by Draycott. Moments before that, a decent effort from Standford curled just wide.