United duo turn out for Crawley XI

The U’s will be looking to bounce back from a midweek defeat away to Faversham Town when a “patched up” side missing a host of players went down 2-0.

“We didn’t play particularly well,” admitted player-manager Sean Ray. “We got caught out for both goals but luckily it’s pre-season and we can work on it.”

Among the players missing were midfielder Tom Vickers and full back Matt Whitehead who turned out for a Crawley Town development side which thrashed a youthful Lewes outfit 8-0.

Former Brighton & Hove Albion youth captain Vickers, who has impressed during pre-season at Hastings, was on the scoresheet.

Although the duo have signed Ryman League forms with Hastings, Ray said: “We’ve just got to wait and see what develops over the weekend. It’s not ideal but every player deserves his chance. I’m made up for them; it doesn’t help us but it helps them.”

Bradley Goldberg was also unavailable and it is now expected that the forward will sign on for the season this weekend.

Hastings are back at The Pilot Field on Tuesday for a friendly against Bromley (kick-off 7.45pm) when Ray hopes to field a full strength squad with the exception of Jack Dixon, Jono Richardson and Liam Upton who are coaching in the United States.

Last weekend Hastings beat Bexhill United 4-0 with goals from Alex Howell, Jordan Woodley, Vickers and Arron Parris, and drew 2-2 with Little Common thanks to strikes from Misari Al Asmpan and Scott McDonald.

See this week’s Hastings Observer for the full article.