Fleet Town ended their six-match losing league run on Saturday, getting the better of a dogged Hastings side, bringing new manager, Paul Holden, his first league points.
With three of his new signings making their home debuts, this was a crucial test for Holden, and his new-look Fleet side.
New signing, Josh Francois, from Kingstonian, came straight in to partner Lee Paul up front, and wingman, Tinoi Christie and defender, Jermaine Hinds, were retained from last Saturday's side that were narrowly defeated at third place Horsham.
But crucially for Holden, back from injury was influential defender, Steve Riley, and former England international, Andy Sinton was also named in the starting line-up.
Contract players, Ed Smith, Neil Morant and Andy Darnton, back from injury, filled the spaces on the bench, along with striker, Richard Mealey.
Within a few minutes of the off, it was clear that Francois' would be a significant signing by Holden, as the Henry look-alike, left defenders for dead as he showed genuine pace and great ball skills.
But despite the lively start by Fleet, it was the visitors who scored first, on 7 minutes, when mid-fielder, Mark Probert picked up a loose ball, and fired in from 15 yards, past an unsighted, Justin Gray in the Fleet goal.
But the determined Fleet side kept up their work-rate and although behind looked the better of the two sides.
Eventually Fleet levelled things in the 21st minute when an Andy Sinton free-kick, was headed in by Riley, rising well above the defence for a simple head-in. Fleet were then on top for the rest of the half, with Francois posing plenty of problems for a beleaguered Hastings back-line.
Eventually in the 44th minute, Fleet broke through again; striker, Lee Paul bursting clear on the right and firing in from a tight angle past keeper, Greg Nessling.
Fleet continued to pile on the pressure after the break, a header from Paul on 66 minutes, needing a great save from Nessling to keep the visitors in the game.
To their credit, Hastings clung on and their equaliser came on 72 minutes, defender, Danny Ellis firing in from close range, following a free-kick.
Fleet continued to press, and almost took the lead again one minute later, wingman, Tinoi Christie again bringing a fine save from Nessling.
But the 20 year-old Hastings keeper could do nothing to stop the winner when it came five minutes later. Sinton's corner was knocked back to defender, new signing, Jermaine Hinds, whose powerful 30 yard strike took a deflection and lobbed over Nessling and into the net.
