3pm 5 October 2024
Hampshire FA, Saturday Trophy, First Round
Hayling United 2 Hedge End Rangers 3 (att 29)
I’m unsure why Hayling United’s first team have left their ground on the island, which I visted in 2006, to move into a 3G facility in nearby Havant. It’s a standard set-up, seemingly run by the Hampshire FA, with a spectator area along most of one side.
Hayling were in the Wessex League back in 2006, but have fallen in the years since, and are now in the lower of the Hampshire Premier League’s two divisions.
Having failed to win in the league so far this season I had them as clear underdogs in a county cup tie against higher division Hedge End Rangers. The visitors did indeed win, but they needed a stoppage time goal to manage it.
Hayling United had led twice. An overhead kick put them in front quite early, a lead that last until just before half time. Then Hayling went back in front in the opening minute of the second half.
Unsurprisingly Hedge End had most of the possession, and did most of the attacking, but Hayling were dangerous on the break and had chance to score again.
In the end they paid for not taking those chances, as Hedge equalised and then, in stoppage, got a winner. They were the better side, but the outcome was harsh on the hosts.
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