Remarkable Reed and Classy Corrigan on form in victory
Pagham were Pag-hammered 0-6 as Hastings Utd returned to league action in some style. The sun was out and the U’s were able to enjoy the support of fans for the first time since the resumption of football due to Pagham plying their trade at a public park, with a number of the U’s faithful making the trip.
It was a game where after a hectic start, the U’s started to settle into a rhythm, where they’d get balls in behind and the wing wizards of Izzy Payne and Faye Williams would wreak all sorts of havoc when they would latch on. Williams herself was involved in a moment of controversy which saw her sent to the sin bin – a new addition to the level. After losing possession through the means of a foul throw, Williams made her feelings about the decision clear, and was sent for 10.
The first goal came courtesy of a player more used to stopping them going in – Vice captain Sophie Reed. A typically wonderful Izzy Payne corner met its destiny on the head of Reed, who powered home into the corner, much to the delight of the HUFC staff on the touchline and the fans near to the goal. A deserved Hastings breakthrough.
Goal number two came from the boot of the skipper, Rebecca Relf. Taliswoman Hill showed the other side of her attacking game with a sumptuous cross that found Relf, who had time to set herself before tucking into the corner past the static goalkeeper. The perfect 45 to re-embed Hastings in league action.
HT : Pagham 0-2 Hastings Utd
In the second half, the U’s completely took hold of the game. Pagham could barely string two passes together, and relied on futile long ball tactics – much to the delight of the back four, who comfortably dealt with Paghams play. The third goal was a moment of pure genius from Izzy Payne, who received the ball from Holly Carter, and Payne created some space brilliantly and released an absolute rocket into the top corner, showing what the U’s will miss upon her departure to Arizona. Her celebration showed her elation at returning to the U’s scoresheet.
The U’s continued to enjoy dominance with the wind in their sales, and added to their collection of goals. Two Georgia Tibble goals, including a brilliant finish from a tight angle, and Molly Hill grabbing her goal with a turn and finish from close range. Even if not her best day, you won’t prevent Hill the hotshot from bagging.
FT : Pagham 0-6 Hastings Utd
The Ry-view : A comprehensive win to restart the SCWGFL season is exactly what the doctor ordered for the restart of competitive football. Every player putting in a top drawer performance in a cohesive, slick, Hastings performance. With two weeks of ‘double header’ fixtures (2 x 1 hour matches played back to back at the same ground with one acting as the home match and the other the away tie), squad rotation will be key, and a second week of every player in the squad getting minutes, and the fact that the table shows the U’s with 3 games in hand and 4 points behind leaders Montpellier Villa. If the U’s can carry this form going forward, they’ll undoubtedly be the force of the division heading into the business end of the season.
Line-up : Hamilton, Corrigan (Baker), Reed (★), Buckley, Sharp, Carter, Relf © (Ward), Williams (Carmichael), Tibble, Payne (Giles), Hill (Topliss)
Next Fixture(s) : Saltdean Utd Development, H+A, TGS Pilot Field, 25/04/2021
Ryan Segal