Next two games crucial, says United boss

Shomari Barnwell goes up for a header during Hastings United's 1-0 win away to Corinthian-Casuals last weekend. Picture courtesy Scott White

The next two matches are '˜crucial' in Hastings United Football Club's bid for a play-off place, according to manager Darren Hare.

United are at home to 19th-placed Molesey today (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) before travelling to Ryman Football League Division One South’s bottom club, Godalming Town, next weekend.

Hare’s side is currently in seventh place - two positions and three points outside the all-important top five, but with a game in hand on all the teams immediately above and below.

“The next two games for me are crucial,” said Hare. “We’ve got to make sure we get six points from those two games and then see where we are.

Matt Bodkin tussles for possession against Corinthian-Casuals. Picture courtesy Scott White

“I still feel as though it’s in our hands and we’ve got a great goal difference that’s worth an extra point.”

Hare encouraged his players to relax and enjoy their football ahead of last weekend’s 1-0 victory at Corinthian-Casuals, and was pleased with a battling display in which he singled out Sam Cruttwell and Shomari Barnwell for special mention.

United’s manager added that he is trying to persuade a midfielder to join the club and is also seeking some defensive cover ahead of the transfer deadline at the end of next week.

Ryman Division One South top 10 (played-points): 1 Tooting & Mitcham United 40-95 (+65 goal difference), 2 Dorking Wanderers 39-86 (+49), 3 Greenwich Borough 39-76 (+34), 4 Corinthian-Casuals 40-75 (+22), 5 Lewes 40-73 (+16), 6 Carshalton Athletic 40-71 (+33), 7 HASTINGS UNITED 39-70 (+54), 8 Hythe Town 40-68 (+21), 9 Faversham Town 40-63 (+26), 10 South Park 36-61 (+16).

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