United tackle play-off hopefuls

Hastings United will travel across the county to face play-off chasing opposition today (Saturday).
Sam Cruttwell on the ball for Hastings United during their 2-1 defeat at home to East Grinstead Town last weekend. Picture courtesy Angela BrinkhurstSam Cruttwell on the ball for Hastings United during their 2-1 defeat at home to East Grinstead Town last weekend. Picture courtesy Angela Brinkhurst
Sam Cruttwell on the ball for Hastings United during their 2-1 defeat at home to East Grinstead Town last weekend. Picture courtesy Angela Brinkhurst

The U’s will head along the A27 to take on a Worthing side which currently occupies the final play-off spot of fifth in Ryman Football League Division One South.

Worthing overhauled Whyteleafe on Wednesday night courtesy of a 2-0 win at home to East Grinstead Town - the team which beat United 2-1 at The Pilot Field last weekend.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United are 14 places and 18 points behind a Worthing side which they drew 1-1 with in the reverse fixture at the start of September having done the double over them last season.

Fraser Logan is unlikely to be fit because of the back injury which forced him off last weekend. Ade Olorunda has had treatment on a hamstring problem and will be assessed, while his brother Tim could return to the squad having trained on Wednesday.

Bright Temba is likely to be added to the squad after being recalled from Ringmer, as is new signing Jamie Strong, who has played for clubs including Lewes and Bognor Regis Town since being released from Brighton & Hove Albion in May 2012.

“He’s a box-to-box midfielder and I’m sure he can make a real difference to the side,” said United manager Nigel Kane. “He’s young and he’s hungry; he’s exactly the sort of player we need.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We need a younger squad of players. We’re looking towards next season already and whatever happens between now and the end of this season, the players are all playing for a place next season.”

United midfielder Tom Vickers has joined Horsham and is likely to be in the squad which faces Herne Bay today, according to the Hornets’ website, which also reports that another former United player, Trevor McCreadie, has come on board too.

Two of the area’s Macron Store Sussex County Football League Division Two sides are also due to be in action today. Bexhill United are scheduled to visit Worthing United in a top versus second encounter and Westfield are down to visit Storrington.

The reserve team games involving Bexhill and Westfield have been called-off this morning, however, due to waterlogged pitches and all bar three matches in the Macron East Sussex Football League had been postponed as of yesterday evening.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

News of any further postponements, should there be any, will follow as and when announced. See the full list of today’s fixtures below.

TODAY’S FOOTBALL FIXTURES

(Kick-off 3pm unless stated)

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

Macron Store Sussex County League, Division 2: Storrington v Westfield; Worthing Utd v Bexhill Utd.

Reserve Section Challenge Cup, 3rd round: Sidlesham v Little Common.

Reserve Section (East): Bexhill Utd P Burgess Hill & Hurst Albion P; Westfield P Lancing P.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Macron East Sussex League (2), Premier Division: Battle Baptists P Ore Athletic P; Iden P Robertsbridge Utd P; Rock-a-Nore P Ninfield Utd P.

Division 1: Hawkhurst Utd v Little Chelsea; Sandhurst P Bexhill AAC P; Sidley Utd v Icklesham Casuals; Wadhurst Utd P Hollington Utd II P.

Division 2: Crowhurst P Wittersham P; Eastbourne Rangers v Northiam 75; Herstmonceux P JC Tackleway P.

Division 3: AFC Hastings P Sovereign Saints P; Bexhill-On-Sea P Hooe Sports P; Peche Hill Select II P Herstmonceux II P; Visick P Eastbourne Athletic P.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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

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

Division 6: Icklesham Casuals II P Sandhurst II P; Punnetts Town II P Hawkhurst Utd II P; Sedlescombe Rangers III P Orington P.

Birchwood Group Challenge Cup quarter-final (1.30): Hollington Utd P Sedlescombe Rangers P.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wisdens Sports Challenge Cup quarter-final (1.30): Ticehurst P Old Hastonians P.

Hastings & District FA Junior Cup, 2nd round (1.30): Pebsham Sibex P Ninfield Utd II P.

Hastings & District FA Lower Divisions Cup, 2nd round (1.30): Robertsbridge Utd II P FC Westridge P; JC Tackleway II P Battle Baptists III P.