Hastings Supporters Forum - 100% Unofficial!

Tonight: South Park - Horsham YMCA 3-2

Top of the league, not a bad start. Improved when Sam Crutwell came on in the second half good to see goals going in.

I Agree with many of John's comments; but for me the obvious turning point was the introduction of Sam Cruttwell. He brought an energy into midfield which had been lacking and it was surely no coincidence that the goals started to flow once he came on. He put South Park under pressure in midfield and that enabled Bodkin - who had been impressive throughout - to have a very good last half an hour. Jay May and Harris started getting better service and we looked impressive and well worth the goals scored.

This was my first viewing of Darren's team and my first impressions were very favourable.
So....in no particular order......I was impressed by Bodkin, he looks very useful. I also thought Stannard and Wilson did well enough but need to see a few more matches to form a true opinion. Of the 'old boys', Simon was fantastic today, definite MotM for me. Jack Harris was very good too...a big improvement on Zac as a target man. Still baffled why Crutts didn't start....he's a class above just about anyone else on the pitch...and how ironic that he made the pass of the match within ten seconds of coming on.
Any concerns ? Well I couldn't quite work May out. He won some good ariel balls but seemed a little lacklustre and he and Jack were often doing the same job. I guess he only met the others today so I'm not judging yet. I was also unconvinced by Watt. He didn't seem comfortable in possession and gave the ball away far too often. Positionally too he seemed uncertain. I think an excellent performance from Rowe rather disguised a few problems in this area. I'm certainly not writing him off but he needs to convince me more than he did today (despite two goals !)

All in all we were much the dominant side and kept the ball as well as any Hastings team has for 10 years. The only disappointment was that we didn't make more clear cut chances from so much possession in good positions. It's obviously very hard to judge where we are after one match. South Park were decent but I think we'll come across a lot better sides.
But as far as opening games go this was a very encouraging start.

Not only was the attendance imo very low yesterday ( 322 ) but also the response here on the forum is not much; any reasons for that despite the good display from the team?

Yeah weather was too good yesterday really! Beaches in Hastings were packed and with the Eastbourne Airshow on as well that will suck people away. But a good result to start and if it continues and word spreads then the crowds will grow for sure.

Created so many chances yesterday and really should have put a couple more away at least but as mentioned already Jay May had literally just met the team so no real connection yet but that will come ( hope we hold on to him for longer ( especially if Jack Hardis is out for a while ) as his physicality was a definite threat )

Don't think Sam Cruttwell will be left out of many more starting XI's going onwards if any!

Short Hastings highlights, only filmed & edited on a phone so not top drawer but watchable!

youtu.be/r1PplxK69aY

That was rather more than adequate I thought - but early early days, of course. I was stunned when we went behind after having had all the play and the gifted equaliser on half time was thoroughly deserved though many present might've had a bit of sympathy for the affable South Park keeper. 2nd half was excellent. Hope Jack is ok - he looked good and the overall performance was as good a start as we could hope for against a hard working South Park.

322 wasn't a bad gate bearing in mind it's the summer holidays and the usual lack of away support. There are clubs in higher divisions who would gag for 322 through the gate. We all know what will ensure consistently higher attendances!

Cannot make Herne Bay due to work. That will be a real test I suspect - and against a side who doubled us last time. Good luck all.