‘One of the biggest games in recent history’

Steve Brinkhurst in the thick of the action during Hastings United's 3-0 defeat at Carshalton Athletic last weekend. Picture courtesy Joe Knight

Fifth-bottom United will be desperate for just a fourth home Ryman Football League Division One South win of the season against rock-bottom opposition.

Kane said: “It’s been billed as one of the biggest games in the club’s recent history and I would go along with that. They’ve been beaten heavily in their last two away games and we’ve got to put them to the sword.

“There are going to be a number of ex-Hastings players coming back with a point to prove, but we’ve got a point to prove to ourselves and our supporters.”

United haven’t won in their last eight matches and Horsham have lost all of their last seven. One of United’s two wins in 2015 came in the reverse fixture, which was Kane’s first in charge.

“Hopefully we will produce a much-improved performance,” Kane added. “The key thing is to get our noses in front and once we’ve done that press on. We’ve got to be prepared to match them physically, but at the same time retain our discipline.”

Tim Olorunda returns from suspension, while Kane is hopeful but not confident over the fitness of his brother Ade. Sam Cruttwell was hoping to train last night.

TODAY’S FOOTBALL FIXTURES

(Kick-off 3pm unless stated)

Ryman League, Division 1 South: Hastings Utd v Horsham.

Macron Store Sussex County League, Division 2: Little Common v Oakwood; Steyning Town v Westfield; Worthing Utd v Bexhill Utd.

Reserve Section (East): Bexhill Utd v AFC Uckfield Town; Southwick v Little Common; Westfield v Lancing.

Macron East Sussex League, Premier Division: Battle Baptists v Rock-a-Nore 1.30; Hollington Utd v Sedlescombe Rangers; Ninfield Utd v Iden.

Division 1: Hawkhurst Utd v Mountfield Utd; Icklesham Casuals v Hollington Utd II; Sandhurst v Wadhurst Utd.

Division 2: Catsfield v Wittersham; Old Hastonians v Herstmonceux; Pebsham Sibex v Eastbourne Rangers; JC Tackleway v Northiam 75.

Division 3: Herstmonceux II v Visick; Sovereign Saints v Hooe Sports.

Division 4: Little Common III v St Leonards Social II; Peasmarsh Utd v Bexhill AAC II; West Hill Utd v Burwash; Westfield III v Bexhill Utd III.

Division 5: Battle Baptists II v AFC St Leonards 3.30; Hailsham Athletico v Victoria Baptists; Magham Down v Mayfield; Parkfield v JC Tackleway II; Sedlescombe Rangers II v Grasshoppers Old Boys; Wittersham II v Ticehurst II.

Division 6: Hampden Park Utd v FC Westridge; Robertsbridge Utd II v Battle Baptists III 2.

Little Marabou Challenge Cup semi-final (2.30): AFC Hastings v Peche Hill Select II.

Hastings & District FA Junior Cup semi-final (2.30): Ticehurst v Bexhill AAC.