Ashford United came from behind to claim a superb 3-1 win at Hastings United at The Pilot Field on Tuesday.

Goals in the last 20 minutes from Tariq Ossai, Tashi-Jay Kwayie and Roberto Ratti won it for the Nuts and Bolts who trailed at half time to Lanre Azeez’s strike.

Both went into the contest in great form Hastings with five league wins in a row, while Ashford were unbeaten in three without conceding. 

The hosts edged a fairly drab first half with Sam Hasler running the show from midfield, but few opportunities were created. 

U’s striker Kenny Pogue had two half chances from distance both of which sailed over before the opening goal which saw Hasler’s brilliant cross tucked home by Azeez on the stroke of half-time. 

Ashford came out looking much better than their first half display peppering Louis Rogers’ goal with a series of corners one of which saw Johan Ter Horst centimetres from levelling. 

But the opening chance of the half fell to Hasler who made his first mistake of the night dragging his left-footed shot past the upright on the hour. 

On 71 minutes Ashford drew level, Ratti held the ball well in the box and laid it off to Ossai who hit an inch perfect shot in off the crossbar. 

The pendulum had really swung the way of the visitors now and within 60 seconds of the equaliser Kwayie should have put Ashford ahead but his close range shot was well blocked. 

Kwayie did however make it 2-1 when his bullet header, from Ossai’s exquisite cross nestled into the far corner and sent the away fans into delirium. 

Hastings were stunned by the turnaround and despite their best efforts failed to mount anything of note when pushing for an equaliser and it was Ashford who netted the game’s fourth goal with the last kick of the game. 

Ratti picked the ball up in his own half and sprinted in on goal, when he finally got inside Rogers’ box he tucked home to cap a superb personal performance and seal a magnificent win for the Nuts and Bolts. 

Man of the Match: Tariq Ossai 

Hastings United: Louis Rogers, Ollie Black, Gary Elphick, Craig Stone, Jack Dixon (Yellow 18) , Sam Adams (C), Sam Hasler, Kane Penn, Kenny Pogue, Lanre Azeez, Dave Martin. 

Scorers: Lanre Azeez (45). 

Ashford United: Tyler McCarthy, Tariq Ossai, Liam Friend, Jack Steventon, Bradley Simms, Rhyle Ovenden, Ellis Cormack (Luke Burdon 73) Josh Wisson (Yellow 35) (Daniel Hull 64), Tashi-Jay Kwayie, Johan Ter Horst (Mamadou Diallo 64) Roberto Ratti.

Scorers: Tariq Ossai (71). Tashi-Jay Kwayie (81). Roberto Ratti (90+4). 

Attendance: 1,303.