First impressions count, and Hastings’ ground certainly makes one. It’s a grand place, no doubt about it, impressive, even. The charm does fade slightly when there isn’t a scrap of parking and every bag, bit of kit and piece of equipment has to be hauled down a long, unforgiving hill. A gentle warm-up we will call it. Still, once everyone arrived, football eventually broke out.

From the opening whistle, the game had a decent tempo. At 5’, Crowborough showed early intent as Forster was taken down on the outer edge of the box during a quick break, winning a corner, not fully capitalised on, but intent very much there. By 8’, it was end-to-end, Lyons bright and involved, and at 9’ Goldsmith took a knock in an aerial challenge as both players went for a header, Hastings spoken to for their late arrival.

At 12’, a slap was heard as Hastings’ number three clattered into Forster, leaving him on the floor. He eventually walked it off and earned a free kick, taken by Lyons and met with cheers from the crowd of his previous club as it drifted wide.
Hastings enjoyed a spell of pressure around 18’, crowding the Crowborough box, but it was handled well, including the corner that followed.
By 22’, with plenty of Crows standing in the wind shouting “have a go”, one was duly taken, just a touch too much on it. Another Crowborough effort followed at 27’, straight into the keeper’s hands but with enough shape to momentarily worry him.

Hastings then produced the most bizarre corner on 28’, which somehow entered the box, passed every. Single. player without a touch, and exited out the far side, completely untouched.

The breakthrough came on 30’. Swainston put Crowborough ahead to make it 0–1, a sign of relief from those watching but we knew this wpuldnt slow Hastongs.
Hastings attempted to respond, but at 36’ it was Crowborough who were awarded a free kick from range, creating a serious chance that required Hastings’ defence to keep the follow-up out.
Moments later, at 37’, Hastings were given a free kick of a similar distance the other way. It was an 'look between a small space of your fingers' moment for the travelling support, but eventually cleared from the box. Crowborough continued to press, and at 41’ Rushy forced the keeper into action, his shot pushed out for a corner.
As the half drew to a close, Hastings began to lose composure. A yellow card arrived at 45’+2, and with nobody entirely sure how much time had been added on, Crowborough eventually went into the break deservedly ahead.

The second half began with Hastings already walking a disciplinary tightrope, and they added another booking at 49’. I wont say much more on that because the Crows responded later and beat them at the book too.
Crowborough remained composed, and at 53’ Swainston made way, with Lambden coming on to freshen things up.
Hastings flashed an effort wide on 58’, and by the hour mark the pattern was clear: Hastings pushing, Crowborough organised and disciplined, managing the game well.

At 66’, there was a moment of opportunity as the Hastings keeper went down, leaving space to exploit, but Crowborough couldn’t quite make it count. Discipline then became the theme. Boddy went into the book at 67’, followed by Pring seeing yellow at 69’ as the game grew increasingly scrappy and unfortunately the Crows were the ones picking up the punishments this time.
Crowborough continued to rotate sensibly under pressure. At 72’, Duncan was withdrawn and Ayoola introduced, followed by Pring for Muggeridge.
Hastings continued to push, and by 74’ Crowborough were being asked to defend their box properly, dealing without panic.

Then came the decisive moment at 76’. Forster produced a goal of real quality to double the lead and make it 0–2, a finish that visibly drained belief from the home side and lifted everyone in blue.
Hastings were handed a lifeline at 81’, pulling one back from the penalty spot, apparently. The pitch was so far away I genuinely couldn’t tell you what actually happened, only that it resulted in a goal and a brief flicker of hope. That flicker didn’t last.

Crowborough managed the closing stages professionally, making further changes and seeing out late pressure as Hastings searched in vain for an equaliser. When the final whistle arrived at 90 +4' it confirmed a deserved away win and the 3 points to boot
Final score: Hastings 1, Crowborough Athletic 2.

Three wins this season against Hastings with all the drama you'd expect between derby side. Pride earned. Again.