I need a bit more, says United boss

Hastings United celebrate one of their goals in the 5-2 win over East Grinstead Town on Tuesday night. Picture courtesy Scott White

The 5-2 midweek win at home to East Grinstead Town lifted United up four positions into Ryman Football League Division One South’s top 10.

United are five points outside the final play-off spot of fifth, and they still have between two and five games in hand on every other club in the division.

But with three wins, a draw and two defeats in their last six matches, United’s form has been a bit up and down, and manager Wilson is seeking more consistency over the remaining 21 fixtures.

He said: “I’d like a little bit more. It’s too patchy for me and I think we need more consistency. We had two clean sheets (either side of new year), and then we throw away three goals Saturday (in the 3-2 loss at home to Dorking Wanderers) and conceded two on Tuesday night.

“I feel there’s one or two players in the team that have still got to get going and once they do I think we’ll be okay.”

Wilson said it was important to hit straight back from the defeat to Dorking with three points against Grinstead.

“We had to put that behind us quickly,” he continued. “If we do lose a game, we can’t afford to lose a second back-to-back. It was one that we needed.

“The performance was patchy to say the least, but we did score some very good goals. I thought the finishing was very good and that’s something we need to do more of. Sometimes we try and walk the ball into the net.”

Joe Taylor made his debut in goal against Grinstead and Wilson says he should be on board for the rest of the season. The 19-year-old is on the books of Fleetwood Town and has had spells with various league and non-league clubs.

“He’s a young ‘keeper that probably needs a run of games,” Wilson went on. “I’ve seen him play before; he’s got good ability, he’s a good talker, a good kicker and he trains full time at the moment.

“I’m sure we will bring one or two (players) in over the next month or so. We’re keeping our eye open all the time, but we’ve got to get value for money and the right player. We’ve still got a good squad.”

United will travel to bottom-of-the-table but improving Whitstable Town today (Saturday) before heading to 15th-placed Three Bridges on Tuesday night.

TODAY’S FOOTBALL FIXTURES

(Kick-off 3pm unless stated) Ryman League, Division 1 South: Whitstable Town v Hastings Utd.

Macron Store Southern Combination League, Division 1: Bexhill Utd v Lingfield.

Division 2 (2): Westfield v Ifield Galaxy.

Reserve Section (East): Worthing Utd v Westfield.

Macron East Sussex League (2), Premier Division: Hollington Utd v Sedlescombe Rangers; Peche Hill Select v Mountfield Utd; Robertsbridge Utd v Hawkhurst Utd; Rock-a-Nore v Ore Athletic; St Leonards Social v Battle Baptists.

Division 1: AFC Hastings v Old Hastonians; Sidley Utd v The JC Tackleway; Ticehurst v Crowhurst; Wadhurst Utd v Eastbourne Rangers.

Division 2: Catsfield v Herstmonceux; Icklesham Casuals v Hastings Rangers; Little Common III v Peche Hill Select II; Peasmarsh Utd v Bexhill AAC.

Division 3: Herstmonceux II v Hooe Sports; Orington v West Hill Utd.

Division 4: Bexhill AAC II v Bexhill Rovers; Conquest Utd v Grasshoppers Old Boys; The JC Tackleway II v Hailsham Athletico.

Division 5: Parkfield v Magham Down; Sandhurst v Icklesham Casuals II; Sedlescombe Rangers III v Hampden Park Utd; St Leonards v Battle Baptists III.

Eastbourne Coach Finishers Challenge Cup quarter-finals (1.30): Battle Baptists II v Robertsbridge Utd II; Hawkhurst Utd II v Victoria Baptists.

Hastings & District FA Junior Cup, 2nd round (1.30): Burwash v St Leonards Social II; Westfield III v Bexhill Utd II.

Robertsbridge Charity Junior Cup, 2nd round (1.30): Northiam 75 v Sedlescombe Rangers II; Pebsham Sibex v Wittersham II.

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