Hastings targeting maximum response

The U’s were dumped out of the famous knockout competition at the first time of asking for the fifth season in succession after losing 3-0 at home to Cray Wanderers on Saturday.

They have a good chance of bouncing straight back because today (Saturday) they travel to Harrow Borough, who sit three places below them in the Ryman Premier, before bottom-of-the-table and still winless Leatherhead visit The Pilot Field on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.

“We’ve got a couple of big games this week and we’ve got to make sure we’re ready for Harrow and Leatherhead,” said the Hastings manager. “My intention is to pick up six points.”

“We have just got to grow up and play with a little bit more arrogance in the final third,” Jason Hopkinson went on. “We’ve got to be a little bit more streetwise, it’s not just about putting the shirt on.”

Striker Kenny Pogue is a big doubt after being stretchered off against Cray with a metatarsal injury, and although not broken, it is causing him considerable pain. Arron Hopkinson should be involved against Harrow despite having returned to Cardiff University.

TODAY’S SENIOR FOOTBALL FIXTURES (ALL 3PM)

Ryman League, Premier Division: Harrow Borough v Hastings Utd.

FA Vase, 2nd round qualifying: Sidley Utd v Chichester City.

Sussex County League, Division 1: Rye Utd v Selsey.

Division 2: Dorking Wanderers v Bexhill Utd; Little Common v Storrington; Wick v Westfield.