Hillians dealt late blows

by Chris Francis

Hillians surrendered a two-goal lead at the Pilot Field on Saturday and then cruelly ended with nothing as the high-flying hosts hit an injury-time winner.

The visitors went into the game on a six-game unbeaten league and cup run, while Hastings were looking for a positive reaction after their shock 5-0 loss to Ramsgate on Boxing Day.

Hill made one change from the 4-1 win over Worthing two days earlier as the fit-again Sam Fisk returned at left back in place of Spencer Slaughter.

In an even first half, chances for both teams were limited but it was the hosts who had the first effort on goal when Sam Adams picked up an excellent pass from Ronnie Dolan before dragging his shot wide.

Hillians took the lead in the 19th minute when Curtis Gayler sent over a corner and Lee Denyer powerfully headed home for his first goal for the club.

After that, Alan Mansfield had to save from former Hill striker Kenny Pogue and Tom Vickers. And three minutes before half time Vickers nearly equalised when his 45-yard free kick hit the top of the bar.

The visitors started the second half brightly and took just seven minutes to double their lead. A good build-up resulted in Greg Luer sending the ball across for Pat Harding to slide in and convert at the far post.

That continued Harding’s good scoring run, being his seventh goal in five games.

Things looked good for Hillians at that point but with-

in six minutes Hastings had thrown themselves a lifeline as Trevor McCreadie’s header crept into the bottom corner.

Hillians then soaked up any pressure the hosts could muster and even had a couple of half chances before conceding a bizarre equaliser with 12 minutes left. Hastings could hardly believe their luck as a Mansfield clearance rebounded off Vickers and into the net.

Hill should have regained the lead when Greg Luer missed his volley at the far post from a cross by sub Max Miller, who went close himself with a lob soon after.

Scott Kirkwood then saw two low efforts go wide as the Hillians looked the more likely scorers until Danny Ellis produced an unstoppable winner from outside the box.

Hill: Mansfield; Watts, Curd, Denyer, Fisk; Budd, Keehan, Kirkwood; Gayler (Miller, 62), Harding, Luer.