Only way is up for United

The U’s came from behind to triumph 2-1 with Zac Attwood scoring the winner two minutes from time at what is a notoriously difficult ground to get a result.

“It’s a horrible place to go,” said Ray. “I think it’s the first time the club has won there but it was well deserved because we dominated from the first minute to the last. It’s one of those nights you just don’t want to forget.”

It was Ray’s first Ryman Premier win since taking over as player-manager after helping to oversee successes against Horsham and Aveley while in a caretaker capacity, alongside assistant boss Mark Stapley.

“It was the best team performance from this football club for a couple of years. We were outstanding from front to back and if we had come off with five or six goals I don’t think anyone could have complained,” he enthused.

Ray will be looking for a repeat of the midweek exploits today (Saturday) at Tooting & Mitcham United, who sit just below 15th-placed Hastings in the standings. The teams met three weeks ago in the League Cup when Hastings won 2-1.

New signing Nick Gonsalves made his debut at Canvey and he could soon be joined in the squad by Danny Ellis who has been training with Hastings.

Hastings are looking for a new physio to work with the first team. It is a paid position and anyone interested should contact the club on (01424) 444635.

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

Ryman League, Premier Division: Tooting & Mitcham Utd v Hastings Utd.

Sussex County League, Division 1: East Grinstead Town v Sidley Utd; Rye Utd v Horsham YMCA.

Division 2: Bexhill Utd v Midhurst & Easebourne; Little Common v Seaford Town 1.45; Westfield v Storrington 1.45.