In-form U’s target further signings

The U’s have this week signed Matt Whitehead from Bognor Regis Town and Joe Barham from Westfield as Ray seeks to build on a successful start in The Pilot Field hot-seat.

United’s new player/manager said: “We’re looking to bring two or three more in. We definitely need more numbers. But a lot depends on finances, we might lose one or two more yet.”

Whitehead, who Ray describes as a “neat and tidy” player who can operate anywhere on the left, had a solid debut in the Sussex Senior Cup victory over Lancing on Tuesday night.

Barham has enjoyed a very good start to the season with Westfield. A skilful player with the ability to beat defenders almost at will, Barham has netted 10 times already this term, admittedly three levels lower down.

Ray said on Wednesday that there may be one further arrival by this weekend, although the person in question is highly unlikely to make the squad for the visit of Cray Wanderers today (Saturday).

He plans to field the same starting line-up as that which beat Horsham and Aveley in United’s last two Ryman League Premier Division games which means Whitehead is likely to be among the substitutes.

It also means that Lloyd Anderson will return in goal and Ray himself will come back into central defence in place of Scott Manning, who played against Lancing. Barham is also likely to be in the squad.

Jordan Woodley, pictured, will come back after missing the Lancing game because his parent club, Brighton & Hove Albion, didn’t want him cup-tied. Ray says that Woodley is keen to extend his loan stay beyond the initial month.

TODAY’S SENIOR FOOTBALL FIXTURES (3PM UNLESS STATED)

Ryman League, Premier Division: Hastings Utd v Cray Wanderers.

Sussex County League, Division 1: Chichester City v Rye Utd; Selsey v Sidley Utd.

Division 2: Bexhill Utd v Loxwood; Oakwood v Little Common; Westfield v Mile Oak 2.