Hastings United, ten points from safety, welcomed the side they are endeavouring to catch, Canvey Island, to Pilot Field. Hastings had lost their previous three, and indeed had only one win in ten, and very much needed victory- and it looked like they might get it, only for Jeremy Santos-Hurtado to deliver an equaliser seven minutes from time.

United took the lead just before half time, their talisman Davide Rodari scoring his nineteenth goal of the season- this one from the spot. Most of the crowd of six hundred and eighty one would have been delighted, and spent the second half biting their nails hoping that their side could hold on- but they could not, Santos-Hurtado scoring his first goal for the Gulls, a goal which might turn out to be crucial. Two minutes from time Canvey saw Chris Harris dismissed, and that started a red card frenzy which saw two more very slightly early baths two minutes later, substitute Jamie Salmon for the Gulls and Alex Kpakpe for the hosts accompanying each other towards the tunnel.

That result leaves Hastings ten points from safety with only six matches remaining- and it allows Canvey to increase the gap between themselves and fourth bottom Hendon to eight points.

The sides meet again on the Island on April 12th.