Hastings United endured more misery as they slumped to defeat at home to fellow early season strugglers Chatham Town.

This setback meant the Kent club leapfrogged their hosts in the lower reaches of the eastern division.

Hastings got off to the worse possible start when a dreadful miskick by debutant keeper Paul Sansome allowed Daniel Stanton to open the scoring after only four minutes.

The home side were back on level terms within six minutes through defender Mark Green whose well struck shot sped past the keeper and went in off the underside of the crossbar.

Graham Webb went close to giving Hastings the lead but it was Chatham who struck again five minutes into the second half. Tommy Binks grabbed what proved to be the winner with a free-kick curled into the top corner of the net.

Ricky Spiller should have levelled late on but headed straight at the keeper from close range.