On Saturday, 29th March, Hastings United Inclusive & Disability Team sponsored by Poppypac, faced up against 1066 Specials in a couple of friendly matches. Due to the incredibly high turnout from both sides, the teams were split into two separate pitches, where they played a few matches each.
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On one pitch, Keegan went in goal, with Kayden, Nathan, Lewis, Max and Archie all playing outfield. It was a dominant performance from the Hastings team, where across 3 matches, Lewis scored 5 goals, Kayden and Archie getting multiple assists each, and Max and Nathan helping keep the team together. Keegan made some brilliant saves when choosing himself to go in goal, and the whole team played exceptionally well.
On the other pitch, the games played were a lot closer, with Gary in goal for Game 1, with Alex, Aaron, Aiden, Jack, Lee, Leeroy and Charlie playing outfield in set positions. The game was back and forth, both teams creating and finishing superb chances. Alex launched a ball upfield from defending a corner, which Charlie ran onto and finished superbly, past an onrushing keeper. Hastings then got a second goal, with a brilliant corner from Jack leading to Charlie taking a touch and scoring a volley from close range. Despite an incredible defensive effort from Aiden, Aaron and Alex at the back, and Gary in goal making some excellent saves, 1066 managed to score 4 goals, making the scoreline of the first game 4-2 in their favour.
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For the second game, Hastings knew they had to step up their game. Jack opted to go in goal, letting Gary move into midfield. This change worked brilliantly for both, with Jack making save after save, and Gary making a wonderful pass to Charlie, who got his hat trick for the day after smashing the ball in the net from the edge of the box. The pressing from Lee and Leeroy limited their chances going forward, and with Aiden covering all the space, it meant that when Aaron and Alex had to do their job, they had it calmly covered. The final score for Game 2 was 1-0 to Hastings United, with all the boys doing the club proud.
Overall, both Hastings teams thoroughly enjoyed themselves, as it was a brilliant day of football in the sunny weather. Everyone contributed in their own way to the success of the teams and got some good match experience for our upcoming tournament in Worthing next month.
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