Young And Gifted!!!

Social gifted a youthful Hastings United outfit a point after throwing away a three goal lead in dramatic circumstances at Tilekiln 2.

Hastings United started well on the ball but the more physical Social began to get a foot hold and Ash McCann hit an absolute wonder strike from 35 yards dipped and curled over the flummoxed United keeper to give Social a 1-0 lead after 16 minutes.

Social were defending resolutely and continued to have the majority of the play for the remainder of the half a with the indomitable Mark Larkin proving a real handful for the United back line. Social were unlucky not to increase their lead after the energetic Kieran Martin had a goal controversially disallowed for offside. However with VAR not being used in this competition it’s impossible to tell if the linesman made the correct call and the half ended with Social one goal to the good.

Social began the second half in lightning fashion with the imperious Ash McCann and the crafty Carlton Phillips trying to unlock the United defence and the combative but cultured midfield duo of Liam Baker and Damien March providing a stable platform from which to build. After 8 minutes of the second half Larkin raced clear and fired home under the United keeper to double Social’s lead. Just three minutes later and Larkin got his second and Social’s third after he powered home a header from a Phillips corner. Social seemed in cruise control now and their high press was causing all sorts of problems for the United team.

Then, with Social holding a seemingly unassailable lead, Mende subbed off star striker and captain Larkin and the balance of play began to shift. With around 25 minutes to play Mende passed a ball out of defence to the unexpecting Billy Kewley, who had defended resolutely for the whole afternoon, and he was robbed of the ball for United to race clear and reduce the deficit. Social continued to create chances however and Kieran Martin could have put the tie to bed with a gilt edged chance with just ten minutes remaining but his powerful effort flew over the bar.

Then, with 6 minutes of normal time to play, another mix up at the back allowed the United number 9 the time and space to swivel and score. Social really began to retreat from that moment and couldn’t gain control of the ball. Another break down the left from the United number 9 ended with a brilliantly fired cross which somehow evaded every Social player and landed at the grateful toe of a United forward who slid the ball home at the back post from 4 yards out for the equaliser. 3-3.

A sobering end to the game for Social who should be hugely encouraged by some of their play this afternoon. Next week they make the long away trip to Bexhill College to play the in form Little Common Reserve team. #socialarmy