U’s face key new year clash

Hastings United’s footballers will be aiming to kick-off the new year with a bang today (Thursday).
Hastings United celebrate scoring in their 2-1 victory over Hythe Town in August's reverse fixture at The Pilot Field. Picture courtesy Joe KnightHastings United celebrate scoring in their 2-1 victory over Hythe Town in August's reverse fixture at The Pilot Field. Picture courtesy Joe Knight
Hastings United celebrate scoring in their 2-1 victory over Hythe Town in August's reverse fixture at The Pilot Field. Picture courtesy Joe Knight

The U’s will travel to Hythe Town in a key game between two sides in the bottom quarter of Ryman Football League Division One South. Kick-off is 3pm.

United manager Dom Di Paola said: “Hopefully we’re on our game on New Year’s Day. We’ve got to be up for it and I’ll be disappointed if we’re not because it’s a game we need to do well in.

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“It’s always a bit of a questionable one (New Year’s Day football). I’ve never done it before. I don’t think at this level it should be the case; I think higher up the pyramid it’s fair enough.”

United head into 2015 lying 19th in the table - one place and two points above today’s opponents with two games in hand - and have won more league matches away from home than Hythe have at home.

The U’s also possess a good recent record against their Kent rivals having won all three meetings between the clubs since the start of last season.

In fact, United’s 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture in pouring rain on the August Bank Holiday was one of only two home league wins they’ve mustered so far this term.

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Fraser Logan and Marc Pullan are struggling with back and groin problems respectively, and Adam Hunt has been suffering with ‘flu. Kevin Keehan, Tim Olorunda and Sam Cruttwell are still trying to shake off nagging injuries.

In-form United attacking player Taser Hassan, who has scored in each of the last three league fixtures, is set to line-up against his former club.

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