Hastings go top after convincing victory
Two more Daniel Ajakaiye goals and one from Jack Dixon gave Hastings a convincing 3-0 win at home to Phoenix Sports, and took them to the summit of Bostik League Division One South.
Whereas Hastings had been made to work for their previous victories, coming from behind at some stage in each of them, this was just about as straightforward as it gets.
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Hide AdChris Agutter’s side controlled the game throughout, dominating possession with some eye-catching football, looking threatening in attack and virtually untroubled in defence against a Phoenix side which had won its previous three league contests.
Dayshonne Golding came close twice in quick succession after 10 minutes, firstly being denied by away goalkeeper Steve Phillips at the end of a remarkable solo run and then hitting the side-netting at the far post from Sam Beale’s inviting ball across goal.
Hastings took a deserved lead in the 24th minute. Sam Cruttwell showed terrific feet to work space for a shot which Phillips parried and Ajakaiye tapped home the rebound.
Later in the first half, a Golding shot following Cruttwell’s pass was saved by Phillips, who moments later did well to hold Cruttwell’s drive from outside the area low to his left.
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Hide AdDixon seemed almost certain to make it 2-0 when he was allowed to bring the ball down from Kelvin Ogboe’s corner, but his powerful drive was well saved by Phillips. Ajakaiye’s shot shortly afterwards deflected just wide.
Having looked in no danger whatsoever during the first half, Hastings almost conceded just seconds after the break. Kweku Ansah shot wide from an inviting position inside the area after Jeff Duah-Kessie caused problems in the home defence.