U’s catch Hare ahead of Tooting clash

Rodrigo Branco on the ball for Hastings United in the 3-0 win at home to Folkestone Invicta on Monday night. Picture by Terry S. Blackman

As reported by www.hastingsunitedfc.co.uk, the 19-year-old was awarded a one-year professional contract at the Priestfield Stadium last November having spent some time on loan at Whitstable Town.

Hare follows in the footsteps of his striker father Darren, the Gills’ current youth team manager, who played for the then Hastings Town in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

United could go top of Ryman Football League Division One South if they win at home to 18th-placed Tooting & Mitcham United this afternoon (Saturday) and current leaders Walton Casuals drop points at Redhill.

As well as boasting the division’s best defensive record, the U’s have picked up a healthy 26 points from their 12 league games so far, and have won four and drawn one of their last five matches in all competitions.

Matt Darby, who has enjoyed an impressive start to the season after his summer switch from Sidley United, will be considered if he was able to train on Thursday night having missed the last two fixtures with a nasty virus.

Elsewhere today, assuming the pitches dry out from the heavy and persistent rain of yesterday, Rye United will continue their run of home games in Sussex County Football League Division One with a visit from Selsey.

In Division Two, high-riding Little Common will return to action with a trip to Storrington, nothing less than a win will do for Bexhill United at home to bottom club Midhurst & Easebourne and Westfield will be targeting a much-needed victory at home to mid-table AFC Uckfield. All matches will kick-off at 3pm.