Hastings United will keep play-off fight going – but must start taking their chances
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That’s boss Chris Agutter’s verdict after a week in which the Us have taken four points out of six in two away games – but in which they should have taken all six.
Davide Rodari’s penalty earned a 1-0 win at Bognor on Saturday while a Tommie Fagg goal and another Rodari spot-kick made it 2-2 at Wingate & Finchley on Tuesday after the hosts led 2-0.
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Hide AdFreddie Legg was sent off for a late challenge at Wingate and will miss the final three league games.
Agutter said Hastings ‘absolutely battered’ Wingate and should have scored a hatful – while they also missed some good openings at Bognor.
He is demanding his players cut out their wastefulness from clear-cut chances as they aim to win their final four league games and force their way into a play-off place. They’re four points off the all-important fifth place ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Whitehawk.
Agutter said: “We’ll keep fighting – 100 per cent. I think it could be a straight shootout between us and Horsham for fifth place. We just have to make sure we do our bit.”
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Hide AdWhile a win and a draw isn’t a bad return from two road trips, Agutter was intensely frustrated it was not six.
"How we didn’t beat Wingate by seven or eight I don’t know. We absolutely battered them. We missed an open goal, from two yards, six yards, one-on-ones, everything,” he said.
"They said we were comfortably the best team they’d played. But you get fed up hearing it when you’ve not won.”
Agutter said it was a positive they were creating so many chances but numerous players needed to do better in taking them.
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Hide AdMeanwhile details of the Sussex Senior Cup final have been confirmed. United will face Horsham at the Amex on Wednesday, May 8. It’s two days after the Isthmian play-off final which could involve either team.
Agutter said: “Having it at the Amex is a great opportunity for players and fans. If that’s the date so be it.”
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