On Saturday 30th November, Hastings United Disability and Inclusive team travelled to Priory Lane to play against the Spirit of Eastbourne. The team were in a great mood and were looking ahead to the match, and in the opening few minutes of the game, they showed that, as the side relieved themselves from early Eastbourne pressure, and started to take control of the game, coming close on numerous occasions through Jake, Elijah, Howie and Lewis. The back line was tested a few times in the first time, but nothing that they had to worry about through their composure and through some brilliant saves from Charlie.
The two teams went into the halftime break with no scorers, 0-0, and Hastings felt like they could make the most of their opportunities and grab a goal. However through some nice play, Eastbourne took the lead, with a top corner finish that nobody could get to. Hastings then fought their way back into the game, taking long shots, creating opportunities on both wings, before winning a corner. Elijah stepped up to cross it in, but managed to extraordinarily bend it around and score directly from the corner, scoring one of the best goals ever scored for this team. For the final 15 minutes, both sides gave it their absolute best to grab the winner, winning every tackle they could, and playing excellent through balls. This almost worked for Hastings, as Jake scored late on to win it for Hastings, had it not been for him being very marginally offside.
The match ended 1-1, with every single player putting in a brilliant shift. Gary worked his socks off, starting at CB and going into midfield. Reggie was dribbling the ball everywhere, creating great opportunities for us. Zack and Joe were getting stuck in, doing their best to win the ball and take throw ins. Charlie’s and my joint captaincy showed well through their strong leadership and always encouraged the team to push on. Aaron made sure to attack and defend at RB, and Jake did really well to stick with his man at LB. Elijah completely controlled the middle of the park, and Howie was able to test the keeper from 35 yards out. Keegan did really well to hold up the ball and enable us to move up the park, while Leeroy’s electric pace meant that the defence of Eastbourne was fully stretched. Aiden was a rock with myself at the back, limiting the opportunities that Eastbourne could have and clearing up potential threats. Lewis and Kayden made their debuts from our youth team today, and showed everyone through their hard work and determination that they can challenge to start in our team when they are old enough to. Jack also was very versatile, running all over the pitch to make crucial tackles, interceptions and even went up and had shots of his own.
The Man of the Match went to the goalkeeper, Charlie White, whose brilliant and crucial saves kept us alive in the game many times, and helped us claim the draw.
