Hastings United's recent upturn in fortunes came to a grinding halt as they suffered a miserable 3-1 reverse away to Ashford Town (Middlesex).

The defeat saw Hastings slip one place to third from bottom in the Ryman premier as relegation rivals East Thurrock clinched a shock win at second-placed AFC Wimbledon.

Hastings suffered a devastating blow inside the first minute when loose defensive work allowed Gavin Smith to fire home.

The visitors thought they had levelled soon after but Danny Leach's close-range finish was disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper Paul Burgess.

It was then Hastings' turn to get a fortunate break when keeper Lee Worgan was only shown a yellow card for handling outside the box and from the free-kick Paul Johnson rattled the crossbar.

Johnson was not to be denied, however, because just past the half-hour he diverted Russell Canderton's shot into the net.

Russell Eldridge gave the visitors a lifeline right on half-time with a wickedly struck cross-shot which deceived Burgess.

After the break Ashford had an effort ruled out for offside before midfielder Tim Olorunda was sent off for handling on the line. Worgan kept out the resultant penalty with a fine double save from Scott Todd but Adam Logie's bullet header nine minutes from time wrapped up the points for the hosts.