United face key clash in play-off quest

Hastings United's footballers are set for another key game in their quest for a play-off place tonight (Tuesday).
Callum Emptage tussles for possession during Hastings United's 2-2 draw at home to Chatham Town on Saturday. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteCallum Emptage tussles for possession during Hastings United's 2-2 draw at home to Chatham Town on Saturday. Picture courtesy Scott White
Callum Emptage tussles for possession during Hastings United's 2-2 draw at home to Chatham Town on Saturday. Picture courtesy Scott White

United will travel to Hythe Town in a Ryman Football League Division One South sixth versus fifth encounter. Kick-off at Reachfields Stadium is 7.45pm.

Both teams have picked up 65 points from 35 games, although United’s superior goal difference means they just about occupy the final play-off place as things stand.

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United’s splendid run of five consecutive wins and clean sheets came to an end when they were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Chatham Town on Saturday, but they are at least unbeaten in their last eight matches.

Ollie Rowe challenges for a bouncing ball on Saturday. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteOllie Rowe challenges for a bouncing ball on Saturday. Picture courtesy Scott White
Ollie Rowe challenges for a bouncing ball on Saturday. Picture courtesy Scott White

That sequence began with a 2-1 success at home to Hythe in the reverse fixture at the end of January when Bradley Stevenson came off the bench to score a second half winner.

Hythe have won two, drawn one and lost one of their four matches since then, the latest of which was a 2-1 victory at home to Sittingbourne on Saturday.

The Cannons had five former United players in their matchday squad against Sittingbourne in Dave Cook, Sam Adams, Jay May, Frankie Sawyer and Kenny Pogue.

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A win tonight would move United above Carshalton Athletic into the top four and they could also overtake leaders Tooting & Mitcham United as the leading scorers in the top eight tiers of English football if they score two or more goals.

Ryman Division One South top 10 (played-points): 1 Tooting & Mitcham United 36-83 (+58 goal difference), 2 Dorking Wanderers 36-80 (+48), 3 Greenwich Borough 35-69 (+31), 4 Carshalton Athletic 37-67 (+31), 5 HASTINGS UNITED 35-65 (+54), 6 Hythe Town 35-65 (+24), 7 Lewes 36-64 (+9), 8 Corinthian-Casuals 35-63 (+16), 9 Cray Wanderers 35-57 (+8), 10 Walton Casuals 37-57 (+5).

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