Our U18s continued their Isthmian South league campaign with Monday night football under the Home Call lights. In chilly but dry still conditions both teams contributed to an exciting encounter. Hill started the best but were hit by a 45th min sucker punch. The visitors scored a 2nd after 65 mins. However, Hill stepped on the gas to produce the best football of the night. A late penalty gave Hill the opportunity to level up.
Hill, kicking towards the Ashley Carr, started well and dominated much of the possession and forward momentum. However, they couldn’t quite find the right final pass or fashion that golden opportunity. However, on 45 mins a deflected Hastings shot found the back of the net.
BHTFC 0 Hastings 1 HT
Hastings, with tails up, were a yard quicker and a lot more aggressive as confidence grew. They made some uncompromising tackles. On 65 mins they surged down the right, their winger crossing for the centre forward to smash home the 2nd goal. At that point it was looking a little bleak for the hosts.
However, there is a lot of self-belief and fight amongst this group. They dusted down made a couple of changes and got on the front foot. Immediately they found an extra yard of space down the right. Justin Sibanda, off the bench, made two thrilling runs and produced crosses which had the defence in trouble. Confidence grew as Hastings started to buckle and go a little deeper. The deficit was halved on 78 mins. An almighty goal mouth scramble was ended by Thomas Sekyere who calmly prodded home from a yard. The perfect poachers goal. Mins later Hill won a free kick wide right. Our Free Kick sensation Fletcher Fane thumped goal wards only for the keeper to push the ball onto the bar and out to safety. With time running out Hill produced a thrilling one touch move down the left. Luca Olivia was looking to pull the trigger but was brought to the ground with a clumsy challenge. The ref pointing to the spot. Koby Farrell stepped up held his nerve and scored to give Hill a very deserved point.
Manager Berty Oliva said after ‘That was a very good game of football. Hastings are a strong team and difficult to play against. At half time I asked the team to go and attack and enjoy themselves. We showed real character to get a draw. Thomas is really good in those tight areas and is making a habit of scoring that type of goal.’
Our U18s 24/25 Isthmian South Title bid might be over however they still face 5 exciting matches here at the Home Call. The team are currently 4th in in the table. They could move to third with victory over Eastbourne Borough on Thursday 27th March 7.30 ko.
