United’s worst run for 25 years

Defeats in their latest fixtures away to Margate and Wealdstone have stretched the losing run to a demoralising 10 matches.

A scan through the club’s playing records for the last 25 years reveals Hastings have never before experienced such an awful spell which began way back on November 20.

They’ve come close on a couple of occasions including losing eight on the spin during the 2002/03 season, and seven in a row in the 2003/04 campaign and again just over three years ago, but this current situation is unchartered territory.

Unsurprisingly, Hastings have tumbled down the Ryman Premier table and Jason Hopkinson, who is still seeking his first point since taking over as manager from Tony Dolby, admits his side is one of “five teams detached from the rest” to form its own mini league at the foot of the table.

The others are Aveley, Folkestone Invicta, who visit The Pilot Field on Tuesday, Maidstone United and Croydon Athletic.

Recent signing Ashley Robinson is out for three to four weeks with a knee injury, but Sam Adams (ankle) could return against mid-table Canvey after missing Monday’s match.

Josh Millwood plays the last game of his loan spell, while Jimmy Elford and Luke Newman are both on their way back from long-term injury. Fraser Logan has been released.

The full article will appear in Friday’s Hastings Observer.

SATURDAY’S SENIOR FOOTBALL FIXTURES (KICK-OFF 3PM UNLESS STATED)

Ryman League, Premier Division: HASTINGS UNITED v Canvey Island.

Sussex County League, Division 1: Lingfield v SIDLEY UNITED; RYE UNITED v St Francis Rangers.

Division 2: BEXHILL UNITED v Littlehampton Town; Loxwood v WESTFIELD; Rustington v LITTLE COMMON 2pm.