Tony Dolby's side needed a point to make absolutely sure of avoiding the drop and first half goals from Nathan Russell and Tim Olorunda put them well in command against bottom-of-the-table opposition.

Sam Adams added a late penalty to complete a victory which meant Hastings ended the campaign in 14th position - three points clear of the relegation zone.

Leyton were joined in the bottom four by Folkestone Invicta, who were beaten 1-0 by fellow relegation candidates Maidstone United in front of a crowd of 1,334 at Cheriton Road, East Thurrock United and Boreham Wood whose 5-0 hammering at the hands of Ramsgate saw them pipped on goal difference by Carshalton Athletic who triumphed 2-0 at home to Tonbridge Angels.

The Rams will contest the end-of-season play-offs with Staines Town, AFC Wimbledon and AFC Hornchurch.

Hastings' trip to East London was almost like a home match with the boisterous travelling support outnumbering the local crowd probably four to one.

After an understandably tense opening Hastings' nerves were settled on 23 minutes when a Lee Carey free kick from close to the byline was met at the far post by Russell whose powerful header proved too hot to handle for the goalkeeper.

Adams and Russell Eldridge both went close to doubling the lead before Olorunda did just that four minutes before half time with a looping back header from another Carey delivery.

Two goals to the good at half time against opposition which had managed to pick up just two points from their last 25 games meant Hastings were as good as safe.

Cheered on by their partying fans, the visitors cruised through the second half and might have added to their tally before Adams was brought down in the Leyton area with three minutes remaining.

The forward took the spot-kick himself and made no mistake with a thumping finish into the roof of the net.