Baitup Treble Sinks The Stringers

Liam Baitup has struck his second hat-trick of the season against Hailsham Town to seal a 3-2 victory at The Beaconsfield.

The hat-trick, which included two penalties, saw the United marksman take his tally to 23 league goals this season.
The United side showed one change to the side that defeated Lancing last time out, with Lucas Mann replacing Peter Cooper who was absent due to his wife giving birth earlier that day.
There was numerous former United links for Hailsham, with Ian Stevens taking charge of the team whilst being assisted by former United management duo of Paul Daubeney and Paul Sargent.
The game sprung to life in the eighth minute as David Smart’s through ball found the run of Baitup, who looked up and lobbed the ball over the home ’keeper from 20yds to give United an early lead.
The goal clearly spurred Hailsham on with Jamie Salvidge testing James Broadbent with a swerving volley from 25yds before the home side levelled on 16 minutes when Sam Divall found space behind the backline and confidently finished past an onrushing Broadbent.
The back and forth nature of the game continued, with United now having most of the attacking as Toby Clifford saw a low drive from the edge of the box expertly clawed away from underneath his body by Stringer’s ‘keeper Phil Hawkins.
Baitup also saw a downwards header tipped over by the impressive home stopper before there was a moment to forget at the other end for Broadbent as Danny Leach’s header looked simple enough for the ‘keeper, but he could only end up tipping it into his own net to give Hailsham the lead.
The second half saw less in the way of clear cut opportunities; with Hailsham digging deep to maintain their lead, but their stubborn nature was breached with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Lucas Mann broke through on the left wing and surged into the area before pulling the ball back for Bailo Camara who shot at goal but saw his effort handled on the line by Hailsham defender Harry Mills.
There was little hesitation from the match officials to award United a penalty as Mill received a straight red card for his actions and Baitup stepped up and sent Hawkins the wrong way to level the tie.
With the end of the game fast approaching, there proved to be one last chance for United as Camara surged towards the area and saw his heels clipped as he entered the area and a second penalty of the evening was awarded to United.
Baitup confidently stepped up and rifled his penalty home off the crossbar, leaving Hawkins no chance as United made it seven wins from their last eight league fixtures

A selection of images by Andrew Hazelden can be viewed HERE with another selection of images by freelance photographer Darren Gillett available to view HERE