HASLER HAS A FIELD DAY AS LEADERS ARE BEATEN

SAM Hasler scored twice as Ashford United reduced Hastings United’s lead at the top of the Isthmian South East table to one point.

Jay May put the Nuts and Bolts ahead before Hasler’s double consigned Hastings to their first league defeat at The Pilot Field this season.

In front of a record attendance for the league this season, Ashford took the lead in the 13th minute when striker May ghosted in unattended at the back post and turned home.

Just seven minutes later the visitors doubled their advantage through a fine 25-yard Hasler strike which put the league leader’s unbeaten run under serious threat.

Conceding a second sparked some life into Hastings and Daniel Ajakaiye almost dragged his side back into the match midway through the first half.

Ajakaiye’s low ball rolled agonisingly across the sixyard box but Jack Dixon could not apply the finishing touch from close-range.

Dixon went close again in the 36th minute but fired over after Ashford failed to clear an Ollie Black long throw.

On the stroke of half-time, Hastings’ Jake Elliott created space on the edge of the box to power a shot which glanced off the crossbar.

But the hosts were made to pay for the missed chances with 12 minutes to play as Ashford launched a clinical counter which was finished off by Hasler from the edge of the area.

It was Hastings’ first defeat since these two sides played each other in December and takes Ashford’s impressive run of form to nine wins from their previous ten outings in the league.

STAR MAN: Sam Hasler (Ashford) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★