Despite being second best for 70 minutes of the game, United ran out comfortable winners with a clinical final 20 minutes. There was a debut between the sticks for James Broadbent, signed the previous day from Burgess Hill Town while Brad Manton made his first appearance since last November. A cagey opening was brought to life when a Zak Dove corner was met by the head of Jamie Bunn, but his effort was cleared off the line. The better of the chances in the opening exchanges fell to the visitors with Jamie Salvidge going close twice before Sam Divall headed over when well placed.
It was Hailsham who took a deserved lead before half-time, albeit in harsh circumstances for United.
Dean Stevens saw his attempted pass intercepted by Stuart Lewis who lifted the ball forward to Divall, who ventured forward and struck the ball towards goal hitting Adam Davidson at close range in the area.
The assistant referee raised his flag signalling handball against the United captain which, after consultation, was awarded the referee. Davidson saw yellow for his troubles and from the resulting penalty, Salvidge struck his effort low to the left of Broadbent who got a hand to the ball but was unable to keep the strike out.
A soft header from Baitup following a long Bunn throw was the best United could muster before the break as they struggled to get into any sort of rhythm.
Broadbent was by far the busier ‘keeper and made two smart stops to deny Hailsham extending their advantage, with a Pat Johnson shot gathered at the near post before denying Divall with his chest.
United boss Tobi Hutchinson rung the changes for the final 20 minutes, with Dave Smart, Toby Clifford and Liam Painter all introduced from the bench in the hope of changing the course of the game.
Three minutes after his introduction, Smart produced a precise cross for Baitup, who found space to force an effort goalwards that saw Ben Head equal to his shot as he managed to palm the ball away.
After a brief spell of pressure, United drew level as Adam Davidson saw his powerful header hit the crossbar, only to rebound off the back of Head and into the goal.
The goal clearly lifted United and two minutes later, they were ahead for the first time in the contest.
Whatever luck was involved in the first goal, was outweighed by determination and skill as Baitup hounded Lewis and stole the ball away from the Hailsham defender before unleashing an effort from 25 yards that curled away from the despairing dive of Head before nestling in the back of the net.
Clifford came close to making it three as he managed to find space behind the visiting defence, but he was forced slightly wide and saw his shot saved.
United clearly had the bit between their teeth now and made the game safe with four minutes left to play as Baitup headed home at the far post for his 15th goal of the season in all competitions. In time added on, Baitup completed hit hat-trick as he slotted home following Painter’s cutback to ensure victory