McFarlane: He cost us the game

Hornchurch manager Jimmy McFarlane was left extremely frustrated after seeing his side lose to lowly Hastings last night.

Urchins looked strong from the outset and created many chances, but they were unable to make a breakthrough against 17th-placed Hastings.

McFarlane said: “I’m so disappointed with the result, but the performance was good. We just couldn’t take our chances.

“Their keeper (Matt Armstrong-Ford) was outstanding. They’re fighting to stay in the league and certainly needed him because without him we game.”

McFarlane’s men missed the chance to go level on points at the top and cannot afford too many more nights like this if they want to keep the pressure on leaders Billericay.

“I don’t think it was complacency. One thing about this team and credit to them, they are a very honest bunch of lads and couldn’t have done anymore,” added McFarlane, who said his night was made worse by the performance of the referee.

Hornchurch felt they were on the wrong end of numerous bad decisions on the night.

Leon McKenzie had a goal disallowed as the half-time whistle had gone while the ball was in mid air and Hastings had a penalty awarded early in the second half, which they missed.

“The referee was the worst myself and their manager had seen in two years,” said McFarlane.

“The penalty he awarded was just laughable. I don’t want to spend anymore time speaking about referees.”

To add to McFarlane’s frustrations, influential pair Rickie Hayles and Jonathan Hunt limped off with injuries, which could prove a big blow if they are out for a period of time.

“We won’t be able to asses Rickie Hayles and Jonathan Hunt’s injuries until Thursday night at training, but hopefully they’ll be fit. That will be a massive boost,” continued McFarlane.