Magpies swoop for 3 points

Hastings pitch was in excellent condition for football and both teams showed they wanted to play. After a few minutes for both teams to settle the first chance fell to Peacehaven. Peacehaven broke on the counter at speed and Walker played the ball across to Burton who put Josh Jones through. Pelling in the Hastings goal came rushing out but stood tall and Jones chip lifted just over the bar.

A free kick from Lawley on the edge of the box was saved well and the follow up corner kept Peacehaven in the hunt but no goals would come. The game become more of a midfield battle and was a little stop start from fouls and Peacehaven were getting a fair amount of free kicks, sometimes a little generously from the ref.

Both sides created chances, Lawley had a 20 yard shot fizz wide of the upright and McCreadie diving header was blocked by Craig Richards outstrectched leg. Hastings then had a 40 yard run but again the shot was off target.

Peacehaven continued to press for the balance of the half but no chances would ripple the net. Just before half time Hastings attacking play earned them a corner. The ball came in to the near post and Olorunda was the first to get a limb on the ball. He poked the ball in to the delight of the home crowd for 1-0. Josh Jones had a great chance to equalise from 7 yards but the chance somehow flew wide.

The second half Peacehaven came out brightly and before Hastings had chance to regain their shape. Walker received the ball and quickly passed out wide for Josh Jones to travel to the corner flag. His looping cross allowed an un marked Burton to launch his head and beat the keeper to the ball as the Hastings defenders could only watch.

Hastings came more into the game in the second half and the half was much more even. Hastings were unlucky not to go back in front when a shot looked to be heading in for Ash Jones to make a brilliant last ditch clearance that somehow looped up onto the bar from only 2 yards.

McGlaughlin for Haven had a great chance denied by the wood work from a tight angle a few minutes later. The game appeared to be heading for a draw until Burton popped up again.

A Craig Richards knock down allowed Tom Burton to have a quick touch to make some space and fired in an angled drive to send the Peacehaven bench and players into a mass celebration on 86 minutes.

It finished Hastings 1-2 Peacehaven to send the travelling fans home happy after inflicting Hastings first home defeat and leave Peacehaven well clear ta the top.

Next to play the Magpies will be Redhill on Wednesday weather permitting and then Ramsgate will visit Piddinghoe Avenue on Saturday 18th at 3pm, so please come and watch and lets get the crowds up over the 200 mark.

Here's some photos taken yesterday http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelroberthulf/sets/72157639670415764/