Vickers off again as Hastings lose

Action from Hastings United's 1-1 draw away to Canvey Island on Saturday. Picture by Simon Newstead

Hastings United’s survival hopes suffered another blow with a 1-0 loss away to Bury Town tonight (Tuesday).

The result means United remain at the foot of the Ryman Football League Premier Division and are two points adrift of a Wingate & Finchley side which occupies the final safe spot of third-from-bottom.

United have two matches remaining. They go to play-off chasing East Thurrock United on Thursday night before hosting mid-table Kingstonian on Saturday. The U’s have taken four points off those two sides already this season and they will probably need a similar return to stay up.

Things looked reasonably encouraging for United during a goalless first half and they went close to scoring 10 minutes into the second period, but Bury landed the decisive blow five minutes after that when Evan Key headed home a free kick.

Bury goalkeeper Marcus Garnham was forced into a stunning save on 77 minutes before the night ended on a sour note for United as Tom Vickers was sent-off for the second successive Tuesday having only been on the pitch five minutes.

United: East, Adams, Murphy, Carey, Ray, Judge, Ellis, Crellin (Vickers 84), Okojie (Warren 70), Attwood, N’Diaye. Subs not used: Cox, Richardson. Attendance: 304.

Cray Wanderers and Lewes, two other sides battling against the drop, drew 2-2 with each other, while long-time leaders Whitehawk have been crowned champions following a goalless draw between Wealdstone and Lowestoft Town.

Ryman Premier bottom seven (played-points): Cray Wanderers 41-42, Thurrock 41-41, Harrow Borough 40-41, Lewes 41-40, Wingate & Finchley 40-38, Carshalton Athletic 41-37, HASTINGS UNITED 40-36.

TONIGHT’S OTHER RESULTS Sussex County League, Division 1: Crowborough Athletic 2 SIDLEY UNITED 1; Lingfield 5 RYE UNITED 0.

Division 2: BEXHILL UNITED 2 Newhaven 3.