Green Lions make nine-man Hastings pay
THERE were times when you wouldn’t have known GFC had a two-player numerical advantage, but they won’t care after grabbing another away point at high-flying Hastings United.
Second-placed Hastings played the final half-an-hour after two red cards in quick succession on a day when the new, resilient, Green Lions, sometimes rode their luck to make it six away games undefeated.
The Pilot Field pitch was covered in a layer of snow early in the morning, but the hard work of groundstaff, aided by the sun, meant the surface was completely clear by kick-off.
That groundwork looked like paying off when only four minutes in hot striker Daniel Ajakaiye drove a low shot into the net from around eight yards.
Tony Vance’s side levelled with their first genuine attempt at the goal, Matt Loaring sending goalkeeper Charlie Horlock the wrong way from the penalty spot after a clear foul by Sam Cruttwell on Paris Pereira.
Although Carlos Canha drove just over Hastings’ crossbar from outside the box, Hastings responded to the goal fairly well and pushed hard for a second. But that push was hampered when Black was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Pereira and five minutes later Dixon received a straight red for a foul on Liam Mahon.
Only in added time, when Horlock made a good save from Keanu Marsh, did the visitors threaten a winner.
