Ronnie Dolan praised his side for rediscovering the winning habit in the FA Trophy – and challenged them to keep it going in an important week at the top of the league.

United needed a penalty shootout – which they won 6-5 – to see off Bognor in an FA Trophy tie at the Pilot Field last weekend.

It put their Isthmian South East defeat at Horley Town behind them and set up a home third qualifying round tie in the Trophy with Dulwich Hamlet a week tomorrow.

Before then third-placed Hastings host Merstham tomorrow then go to Sittingbourne, who are second, on Tuesday.

Hastings United reach the next round of the FA Trophy on penalties | Picture by Lyn Phillips

placeholder image — Hastings United reach the next round of the FA Trophy on penalties | Picture by Lyn Phillips

Dolan said the Trophy clash with Bognor, which ended 1-1, was fairly even but added: “We had a few more clear-cut chances than they did.

“We were probably the better team in the first half without taking our chances and they were the better team for a large part of the second half.

“We were on top towards the end but didn’t put the ball in the net. It’s always nice to get through, but I can’t say penalties are anything we’ve particularly practised.”

Now focus returns to a league campaign which Dolan’s troops have started well.

“Merstham at home will be a tough test. They finished well last season. They’ve had an average start but they’ll be tough for us,” he said. “But as long as we’re on it I don’t see us having too many issues if we turn up and do our jobs.

“Then it’s Sittingbourne on Tuesday. That’s a different test, especially away from home on a Tuesday.

“They’ve been at the top for the past two seasons and been unlucky not to be promoted. So it will definitely be one of the tougher ones we do face, and it’s always tough going Saturday-Tuesday.

“Hopefully we can come through Saturday with all the boys intact with no injuries and go there on Tuesday and give a good account of ourselves and see where it takes us.”

United were boosted at the end of last week by two new recruits – midfielder Mitchell Chapman, on loan from Cray Wanderers, and ex-Broadbridge Heath winger Manny Abudiore.

Dolan said: “They’ve come into the squad and were involved on Saturday and have been very good. With the number of games we’ve got coming up they’ll be important.”