Waiting finally over for U’s

The waiting is over and Hastings United can finally focus completely on the FA Cup second round clash at Harrogate Town.

The U’s have played six times since getting the better of Bishop’s Stortford in the previous round, losing just once.

Speaking after the midweek win over Pagham, player-boss Sean Ray said: “It’s the biggest game in the club’s history and now we can start looking forward to it.”

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Hastings are due to travel up to their hotel this morning (Friday). “Hopefully we’ll get there early afternoon and then we have got the rest of the day to relax and use the facilities.”

Ray will select his starting eleven from a pool of 15 first team players the night before the game. The squad will also be bolstered by up-and-coming midfielder Charlie Bachellier and young keeper Joe Winchester.

Harrogate go into the tie on the back of two defeats - 2-0 against Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Trophy and 1-0 at the hands of Stalybridge Celtic in Blue Square Bet North.

Simon Weaver’s side sit 14th in the league with 18 points from 12 games. Their joint leading scorers in the FA Cup are Paul Beesley and Chib Chilaka with four goals apiece.

Chilaka grabbed the only goal in the shock 1-0 win away to League Two Torquay United in the first round. For updates from the big game at the CNG Stadium follow @SimonNewstead on Twitter.