United’s lowest crowd in four years

The attendance for Hastings United’s game against Merthyr Town last night (Tuesday) was the lowest for a competitive first team fixture at The Pilot Field in four years.
Hastings United striker Billy Medlock is denied by Merthyr Town goalkeeper Cameron Clarke. Picture courtesy Joe KnightHastings United striker Billy Medlock is denied by Merthyr Town goalkeeper Cameron Clarke. Picture courtesy Joe Knight
Hastings United striker Billy Medlock is denied by Merthyr Town goalkeeper Cameron Clarke. Picture courtesy Joe Knight

Just 150 paying spectators watched the FA Trophy second round qualifying replay - the smallest gate since a Sussex Senior Cup second round tie at home to Lancing on November 8, 2011 was witnessed by 148 people.

The stormy weather and televised England game would doubtless have been factors in the low turnout, and some who attended the original meeting between the clubs on Saturday - which was abandoned at half time - might have been put off by having to pay the usual admission price.

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United contacted the FA on the subject of any refund policy for abandoned matches in its cup competitions and was advised that refunds of admission costs can only be made if the two clubs both agree. In this case, no mutual agreement was reached.

Via their public address system after the abandonment on Saturday and subsequently on their website, United urged supporters to retain their admission tickets.

The club will grant a one-off discount of 50% of its standard admission price for any home league match for the rest of this season, subject to a valid admission ticket for Saturday’s abandoned match being shown at the turnstiles.

United lost the game 2-1 after conceding an own goal in the third minute of added time. Sean Ray had earlier scored a second half equaliser after Merthyr led at half time through a Corey Jenkins goal.

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