Just another 400 odd mile round trip for the U's saw them cross the Severn Bridge into South Wales for a tough encounter with early season pacesetters Newport County who - not so very many years ago, were a Football League side. The long haul home would've been in good spirits after a fine second half display that saw United completely dominate the Welsh outfit who'd had the better of the opening 45. This was also their first point on their travels since the 0-0 draw at Chippenham back in early November.

The return of Duncan McArthur to the line up after his lengthy suspension (which seemed twice as long given all the postponements) just had to come at a price against the unwelcome loss of Steve Yates who'd gone down with flu the previous day. Also missing - the suspended Paul Ruddy and long term casualty, Stuart Myall. Mylie - according to the Sports Argus - is out for 6 months after his recent operation to correct cruciate ligament damage incurred way back in October against Hendon.

The game kicked off 15 minutes late when the referee was taken ill just before 3.00 - a call went out for anyone in the crowd who was qualified to step in as assistant referee and our very own Robin Powell offered his services but they weren't needed. Interesting one that - as discussed amongst the hardy band of United supporters - just what would Robin's travel options have been had his offside flag ruled out a 95th minute United winner - he certainly wouldn't have come back to Hastings with Mark and I..........

County dominated much of the first half and things were made that bit more difficult for United as they lapsed back into that bad recent habit of conceding early - in this case the 6th minute. Tommy O - at right back for Yatesie - was left for dead - a cross into the box fell just right for Nathan Davies who buried the chance past King Dave. United were to play some good football in that opening 45 - indeed they'd had the better of the opening spell only to go behind. Macca was lucky not to get yellow carded in that first few minutes - an over robust challenge was let go with a word in his ear. Welcome back, Duncan. What was genuinely good to see though - Duncan's presence in midfield where his passing and football creativity looked in good nick after all that time out.

But while the U's were playing reasonably well and didn't look like a side battling relegation - they were to create virtually nothing in that first half. Landry had an early effort charged down - Nick Hegley's cross flew across the goal mouth with nobody on hand to convert it and Ellis Remy's header which wasn't far off target wouldn't have counted as he was offside for the umpteenth time. You couldn't help feeling that County's offside trap was just waiting to be sprung had runs been slightly better timed.

At the other end - Dave was the busier of the two keepers. He probably would've got to a well directed header on 27 minutes that flew just over the crossbar from a free kick. One of those difficult to deal with diagonal crosses flew through the U's box and out for a goal kick and Dave was perfectly positioned to block the County 7's well hit effort as half time approached. The interval saw United supporters worried once again at the lack of punch up front.

Whatever George and Mike said at half time - it worked. United came out with the front line performing as well as the defence and midfield and the home keeper had his first shot to deal with on 47 minutes when Landry had a pot from outside the area. Chris Honey - another good game but still desperately low on confidence in the opposing area - went on a good run in from the touchline but his shot lacked power. But United kept going and as the half proceeded, they took control of the game and started applying real pressure to the frustration of the home supporters.

A Flanners header from a free kick wasn't far wide on 54 minutes, Heggers fired in a well struck effort straight at the keeper, Landry pulled off one of those volleys out of nothing that was just over the bar and a couple of minutes later, Simmo went equally close and then Heggers turned to hit an effort wide from a difficult angle. While all that was going on, Dave had one good save to make when County threatened to double their lead.

Joel Bevis and James Body had replaced Chris and Ellis by the time United got their just desserts. And what a move - Tommy O to Macca out on the right flank - Macca's perfect cross field, lofted pass to Simmo who's header saw Joel turn, beat a defender and rifle home the equaliser from 12 yards on 75 minutes. Great move - great goal and no more than they deserved.

United could well have won this game. Landry went close again with another effort just over the bar while a great pass from Joel to pick out Simmo deserved better reward as Simmo's lay off to Landry was just a foot too far behind. Amazingly - the first corner wasn't till around the 70 minute mark just before United levelled - then they had three in quick succession (the U's that is - I don't recall Newport having one in the whole game).

Duncan undoubtedy made a big difference in midfield - he did eventually get his obligatory yellow card and was rather unfortunate in that respect actually - but then he'd gotten away with that early challenge. But sticking to the massive footballing talent that he is - it was great to see him back because the team needs that creativity. Well done to Joel too - a horrendous 20 minutes against Weymouth recently - but this time he was in good nick from the moment he came on and his goal was the icing on the cake. Tommy O's versatilty saw him cover Yatesie's absence - one had to wonder, though, what Yatesie's attacking potential might have brought in that second half.

The final whistle went around 5.00 and the United contingent set out on their long journey home well content with something for their efforts - and thinking that had this game been played three or four months ago when the honeymoon was still on - they would've probably taken maximum points. Mark, Robin and I got back to Hastings around 8.25 in a decent frame of mind for the battles that lie ahead.

Be under no illusions - the score doesn't tell how it really was as the loyal band of U's supporters were made to suffer at basement side, Ilkeston's, New Manor Ground. Just about a 420 mile round trip for this one as United crossed a good half dozen county borders before ending up in Derbyshire (Southern League - SOUTHERN?) for a fixture they would surely have had hopes of getting something from against an Ilkeston outfit that had only won three league games all season and had conceded 11 goals in their previous two games - including a 1-6 home stuffing at the hands of Welling the previous weekend.

Yeah - the score doesn't tell the full story - it could have been much worse as the home side had a first half goal disallowed and a dodgy looking penalty well saved by the King. Sadly, the U's were unable to make capital out of the additional good fortune to be level at the interval thanks to a well taken, duck breaking goal by Chris Honey - the second half was as abysmal as anything we have seen this season and a determined Ilkeston ended up good value for their win.

Yet - despite being, possibly, rather fortunate to be all square at the break, United - actually - weren't too bad in the first half and there was as much incident in the home goalmouth as anything that happened in King Dave's area. The home keeper was quick to react on 10 minutes when a Simmo cross was deflected by an Ilkeston defender - when things were going well earlier in the season, a deflection like that would've probably resulted in a goal. Nick Hegley should've done better with an attempted lob with the keeper miles off his line - but Hegger's effort was well wide.

United were to concede early once again. There'd already been a warning when from a corner, the Ilkeston 5 headed over the bar. And it was from another corner that he got it right second time around as, out jumping Tony Burt, he headed in between Steve Yates and Dave on 16 minutes. United were to mount something resembling pressure on the home goal once they'd gone behind - and it has to be said that the rub of the green just wasn't to be seen. A Heggers cross was just palmed away by the keeper - another effort from Nick - cross or chip, only he knows - bounced off the top of the cross bar and a Macca free kick was nearly deflected in for an own goal but the keeper somehow beat the ball out amongst cries from the U's contingent that it had crossed the line.

Things were going on at the other end, though. And after a goal mouth scramble had been survived - it seemed United were 0-2 down on 31 minutes but an alert Phil Glazier spotted the referee had ruled the goal out - reason unknown. A linesman's flag on 37 minutes resulted in a penalty being awarded to Ilkeston - what the linesman saw I can't tell - the video certainly showed nothing wrong with a tackle by Burtie (?) and the reaction of the U's defenders certainly backed that up. Whatever - justice was done as Dave went the right way and beat out the spot kick.

43 minutes gone - and at last Chris Honey got tangible reward for all the hard graft he's put in in what's been a miserable season for him. He picked up on a loose ball and rifled in a diagonal well hit shot that flew past the keeper and into the far corner. Normally the impassive type our Monster - but amongst all the back slapping he had a big grin on his face. Good goal, Chris.

The second half was a non event. United might've had little luck in the first 45, but looking at Ilkeston's miserable statistics, the home side did a good job to keep their own game going after seeing that goal disallowed and the penalty saved. United hardly got a sniff in as Ilkeston utterly dominated the second half with the U's unable to take advantage of the setting sun which would've put the home keeper in real trouble - but virtually all the action was in the United half.

After Heggers had curled a shot narrowly wide on 55 minutes, Ilkeston took charge and after 59 minutes were 2-1 ahead when the U's defence didn't deal with a free kick and Dave was left in isolation. He pulled off a fine save on 70 minutes as he stretched to push a shot around the post - at least that's what I think happened. Looking into that sun made life extremely difficult to see what was going in the United half - but that was probably just as well. And on 78 minutes it was all over when a low cross was converted from close in as Ilkeston picked up the three points they deserved.

A truly foul day ended on a low note with the news that Weymouth and Grantham beating Moor Green and Chelmsford respectively had resulted in United dropping two places into the relegation zone. Of all people to do us a favour - Crawley's 4-0 drubbing of Halesowen at least prevented things from getting any worse. Whatever - any more displays like this second half and United supporters will be once again sampling the delights of Burnham and Corby.

Oh - Macca got a yellow card by the way and last week's card at Newport means he misses the game at home to Bath next Saturday. Normal service has been restored - but he does make such a difference in midfield - when available.

Jekyll and Hyde have become integral members of the United squad this last three or four months - they're both fringe players and don't always get games - but when they do they make a big difference - one way or the other. And sure enough - after last week's abysmal second half at Ilkeston - United put in a fully committed, 110% performance against one of the division's better sides who went home with a point from a game in which they created very little in terms of goal scoring chances.

Defences were generally in charge throughout a game in which what entertainment there was, was provided by the U's who played some decent approach football with Danny Simmonds and Paul Ruddy outstanding in completely different ways as the midfield - just for a change - got used to another 90 minutes without Duncan McArthur.

George started the game with Chris Honey and Joel Bevis up front with Landry slotting in behind them. And it worked pretty well throughout the game with both strikers putting in decent performances. United were to go close on 11 minutes when a Steve Yates effort was inches over the cross bar - a good long range effort from Yatesie who, actually, looked rather subdued all afternoon. Joel should've put United 1-0 up after 19 minutes when Flanners headed a free kick across the goal mouth to him - but the quick reactions of the City keeper contributed to Joel firing high and over from the edge of the 6 yard box.

King Dave had very little to do and some of the problems he dealt with were possibly self inflicted in that opening 45. An awkward hanging cross dropped right in front of him and it was only his 11 feet height that enabled him to stretch back and gather the ball. He then had a difficult free kick to deal with that again hit the deck in front of him and had to gather that at the second attempt as well.

Generally - the first half saw United pressing City back but not creating much when they got in the area. The best illustration for me of the U's determination and commitment was Stuart Playford's challenge for a 50/50 ball which he won as City threatened to break clear. Great tackle - typical Stuart. Landry manged to get himself booked before halftime - and having kicked the ball away after he'd fouled - that had to go down as self inflicted.

0-0 at the break - and supporters who'd been at Ilkeston the previous week were crossing fingers that the work rate and the commitment of the first half would be on display again in the second. And so they were as United put on a fine second half display which must have eventually left us all baffled as to how a side that can play like United did in this game, be battling against relegation.

1-0 on 51 minutes - a rare break went our way - and we haven't had many of them lately - when Simmo latched onto a rebound and turned to fire past the keeper into the far corner for a well taken goal. City had to show some more ambition after going behind but United continued to play some decent football with both flanks seeing plenty of action as they tried to get the second crucial goal.

City were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Simmo's effort appeared to be clearly handled - looking at the video certainly backs that up as a City hand seemed to go to ball which is surely the intent that referees are looking for - even though the City lad might've had a case as his head would've been knocked off otherwise. We've all seen penalties given in these instances, though, and it just about summed up United's lack of breaks that nothing was awarded.

United were let down again by the officials when Joel - chasing a great curling pass from Simmo - was just caught by an outstretched leg but again nothing was awarded - had Joel gone clear (and gone down straight away instead of trying to stay on his feet) he would've been on his own into the area from the right flank. United kept plugging away - the all round commitment really was 110% with some of Rudds's tackles outstanding. Frustratingly, though, decent crosses from both flanks from Landry and Joel just would not find anyone in U's colours.

1-1 after 83 minutes. Flanners booked for a foul on the corner of the box - some thought he'd won the ball but there was little in the way of objections and from what was just about City's only real attack on the King's goal - the free kick was met by a header from their 3 who buried it into the far corner. So, so frustrating! United had a couple of chances to grab a late winner - Ellis Remy was denied by the onrushing keeper from an acute angle and in the last minute with City failing to clear a bobbing ball, Landry swung to hook the ball just wide.

Yeah - frustrating in the extreme. United put in a decent performance against one the division's better sides and deserved to win the game but this what you get when you're at the wrong end of the table. Now - let's just hope that having put in a good 90 minutes, it doesn't all go down the U-bend again at Broadfield on Tuesday night!

Given United's appalling return of much needed points from all those recent games against fellow relegatees - a point from the Broadfield Stadium is never to be sneezed at. And talking about sneezing - your correspondent has been doing lots of that this last three days and an inconveniently timed bout of flu meant I couldn't make this game. Thanks immediately to Karl Horton and Dave Moore for undertaking filming duties at short notice.

Having been given a brief summary of the evening's events and looked at the video (plus listening to live coverage of the second half on Southern Counties!) - it seems fair to say United battled back well to get something from the game after going 0-1 down with just a couple of minutes gone. Couldn't see the goal - that's down to me as Karl & Co had to make a last minute detour to collect the camera from my place and that combined with the car park being full at Broadfield and alternative parking arrangements being necessary, meant the lads didn't get into the ground before kick off - and when they did get in we were already a goal behind. A cross to the far post headed in by Mo Harkin so Phil's notes tell me.

United spent much of the opening half hour penned back in their half as Crawley dominated proceedings. Brave defending saw a well struck effort charged down and then a minute after a header straight at King Dave had been comfortably dealt with, Dave pulled off the first of the three good stops of the night to keep out a header to his left.

The Crawley keeper had been a spectator for much of this spell - and the game was well under way before he had anything to do and that was to catch a header from Landry that lacked power and direction. But with play in the Crawley half for a change - United won a free kick on the left flank and Simmo's punt into the area wasn't cleared and out of nothing Landry produced a looping header over the flailing Andy Little into the corner of the net on 32 minutes.

United then had a double escape when successive crosses bounced off the top of Dave's crossbar - one in from the right and then another in from the left. Having gotten away with that - they then produced their best sustained spell of the game and put the Crawley defence under some real pressure and showed some glimpses of what we were seeing on a regular basis earlier this season. A good sweeping move across the Crawley area saw Yatesie put in a good low cross that was just the wrong side of Chris Honey and then Joel Bevis fired in another cross that Landry and then Nick Hegley couldn't take advantage of.

The second half saw Crawley re-establishing their dominance and while it wasn't exactly all hands to the pumps in the United area, their defence was by far the busier as Crawley pressed hard. A cross from the left was met first time by the home 4 who's effort missed the stand behind the goal. On the rare occasions United looked to get out of their half they all too often spoiled good work by giving the ball away - main culprit being Landry who seems to be going through a hot and cold spell lately.

Dave pulled off a great one handed save on 72 minutes - a well directed header that he had to go full stretch to his right to keep out. Dave did well again on 76 minutes to block an awkward bouncing effort but could only parry the ball - and the Crawley 11 blazed over with what was nearly the biggest miss of the night.

With Duncan McArthur on as sub for Joel (interesting ploy to keep Macca on the bench) and then Ellis Remy on for Chris Honey, United started to press forward for an unlikely late winner with Ellis looking well up for it. And it was Ellis who played a big part in what was to lead to the miss of the game - set free by a good pass from Landry, Ellis broke clear and put in a good cross to Simmo who's header found Landry a yard out in front of an open goal and he managed to produce an unbelievable miss when it looked a formality for the U's to go 2-1 up with 10 minutes left.

Crawley had one more sniff at goal when their newly appointed player-manager, Francis Vines, came on with a couple of minutes to go and his header from a corner was headed away by Nick Hegley - couldn't see whether it was goal bound or not - but it certainly wasn't far off target. When the final whistle blew, United had picked up a hard earned point and - interestingly - the Southern Counties Radio commentators thought 1-1 was just about a fair result.