Tough trip awaits Hastings

The U’s will continue their survival quest with a trip to second-placed AFC Hornchurch in the Ryman Football League Premier Division.

Hornchurch are just three points behind leaders Billericay Town with two games in hand and they possess the division’s best defensive record having conceded only 24 goals in 30 matches.

United are in pretty good form too, however, having recorded back-to-back league wins - the second of which was against third-placed Lowestoft Town - prior to the 1-0 loss at fifth-placed Cray Wanderers on Saturday.

Player-manager Sean Ray will hope to welcome back goalkeeper Matt Armstrong-Ford, pictured, after his absence through illness meant that defender Ross Sutton had to don the gloves against Cray.

Combative midfielder Jamie Crellin will finally be available after suspension as United seek to widen their advantage over the four relegation places from its present state of two positions and three points.

Elsewhere tonight, Bexhill United will go in search of a fifth consecutive Sussex County League Division Two victory at home to bottom club Seaford Town. Kick-off at The Polegrove is 7.45pm.

Chris Agutter, Matt Dadswell and Liam Miles are expected to return after missing the weekend win over third-placed Dorking Wanderers, but Gavin Bourne and Andy Garman are struggling with injury.

Bexhill manager Darrol Parris said: “Seaford won’t be an easy game. We played them at the beginning of the season and it was a battle, and I’m sure it will be a battle tonight.

“They will be full of confidence (after beating Mile Oak 4-0 at the weekend), but as long as we work as hard as we did Saturday and the last eight weeks, I think we’ll be alright.”