One point but nearly three

But the former Lewes assistant boss did at least collect his first point in a 2-2 draw at home to fellow Ryman League Premier Division strugglers Folkestone Invicta.

Ross Sutton had already cleared off the line and Folkestone had struck a post by the time the visitors took a thoroughly deserved lead in the 15th minute courtesy of Darren Smith.

Hastings equalised completely out of the blue 20 minutes later through a well-worked goal scored by Russell Eldridge and went ahead via a 73rd minute penalty from Sam Adams following a foul on Harry Beautyman.

Just when it looked as though they would clinch a vital win in their battle against relegation, Sutton needlessly conceded a penalty in the 89th minute and Smith stepped up to send Scott Chalmers-Stevens the wrong way.

Hastings: Chalmers-Stevens, Rowe, Sutton, Hall, Ray, Jirbandey, Adams, Beautyman, Perkins, Porter, Eldridge. Subs: Davisson, Manning, Storrie, Newman, Olorunda.

A full report will appear in Friday’s Hastings Observer.

Tonight’s other senior result - Sussex County League, Division 1: Shoreham 0 RYE UNITED 3.