Ronnie Dolan is delighted by Hastings United showing resilience on the road – now he wants it followed by ruthlessness at home.

United won 2-1 at Sheppey United last Saturday and drew 2-2 at Margate on Saturday despite going 1-0 down in both games. The points kept them second in the Isthmian South East table.

Freddie Legg and Kesna Clarke scored at Sheppey in the final 15 minutes and Mitch Chapman and skipper Tom Chalmers were on target at Margate.

Now United have FIVE straight home games, and Dolan says he wants them to win the lot. The Pilot Field residency starts with league games against Erith Town tomorrow and Eastbourne Town on Tuesday.

Hastings United have been enjoying their home form - and now have FIVE Pilot Field games in a row | Picture by Ben March

placeholder image — Hastings United have been enjoying their home form - and now have FIVE Pilot Field games in a row | Picture by Ben March

Dolan said: “The Sheppey game wasn’t the greatest but to come back and win the way we did showed characte. That’s the mentality we’ve instilled into the players at the moment – don’t ever give up.

"The way we’re getting results in coming from behind – obviously we don’t want to be going a goal down – is showing we can do that side of it. At the start of the season we were winning games without having to come from behind but at the moment we’re having to do that.

"It doesn’t really matter whether we come from behind or go in front – as long as we win the game, that’s all that matters. Results are the main thing.

"Sheppey hit the bar in the last minute so it was a bit nervy but I didn’t really feel under threat. Even though we were 1-0 down I still felt like we were going to win the game. I had that belief in the boys and thankfully they showed it on the pitch – they had belief in themselves to turn it round and go and get the win.

"At Margate on Tuesday it was a different type of game. They’re a very well-drilled team, very organised, very hard to break down and very attacking. But I think our boys dealt with it.

"A draw was probably a fair result in the end but it was a lapse in concentration that let them score their second and that was the disappointing thing.

"We were 2-1 up and they scored from a corner and we pride ourselves on being good in both boxes. We usually are but a lapse in concentration meant they had a free header at the back post.

"We made it clear to the boys that they need learn from that and we need to move on and not let it happen again.

"Walshy had a last-minute chance that the keeper saved – that had looked like it was going to be a goal – but to be creating chances in the 95th minute that’s testmament to our boys and their mentality never to give up and to keep going. That’s massive for us and they’re showng it in abundance."

Now it’s back to the Pilot Field for a run of fixtures, starting with back to back league games against Erith Town and Eastbourne Town on Saturday and Tuesday.

"I believe we have five home games on the bounce now if you include the FA Trophy game in there, It’s a massive period for us and a chance to do well in front of our fans and give them something to cheer about.

"Right now our focus is on Saturday and Erith Town and it’s a tough game because they’re doing very well in the league so far. They have a bit of a new squad compared to last season. They have some experienced boys in there and have a good mix.

"But – and I say this every week – if our boys turn up the way they have been most of the season, I don’t really fear anybody. It’s all on us.

"Six points is the ain from the next two home games – we want to win every game, especially at home. I expect us to win every game at home, I don’t want us to be losing at home.

"So Saturday is a massive win and then we’ll think about Tuesday’s game after Saturday.”

Dolan said the squad had no new injury worries. "Robbie (Dolan) was on the bench at Margate as cover but will be looking to be fully fit and in the squad by next week.”

The manager continues to be open to the idea of adding to the squad but added: “We don’t want to be signing people for the sake of it, we want the right characters, the right footballers – they have to have a bit of a package about them to be coming to us.

"Our squad is not massive – it has to have the right characters and we don’t want a massive turnover of players. We have a very tight-knit group, which is something we’ve tried to instill over pre-season and the season so far. We’re together and we need to make sure anyone we bring it has the right character to fit in with that.

"I can't fault any of our boys at the moment – everyone’s doing well. It’s been a breath of fresh air having TC back and playing every week – that’s massive not just for the team but for the club, and for him. He’s looked solid where he’s playing and doesn’t look like he’s been out injured for two years.

"He’s come straight back in and I’d say he’s been one of the best defenders in the league so far. In a one-v-one I don’t see anyone getting past him. We back him for that and he backs himself for that too. He prides himself on being very good at one-v-one defending.

"He’s a bundle of energy and a good leader – he’s captain because we see that in him. What he’s showing on the pitch, hopefully the other boys are seeing that and taking a leaf out of his book and the way he’s stepped up to be captain.

"He’s doing very well for us and long may that continue. But to be fair everyone is doing well. We’ve had one or two off-games but on the whole we’ve been pretty solid as a team and a squad. Everyone’s doing what we need of them.”