Waiting game is the only one Hastings United can play

Hastings United’s staff and players will spend new year as they spent Christmas – out of action.
Simon Rudkins' picture of The Pilot Field pitch after he worked on it on Boxing DaySimon Rudkins' picture of The Pilot Field pitch after he worked on it on Boxing Day
Simon Rudkins' picture of The Pilot Field pitch after he worked on it on Boxing Day

As the government steps up Covid-19 lockdown rules across the country, there seems little prospect of an imminent change in the circumstances that have put the Isthmian League on hold.

The league’s fixtures have been on hold since November 5 and few think many, or any, games will be played in January.

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That will lead to growing concerns over whether the season can be finished although the latest stated view from the FA and league bosses is that they remain hopeful it will not have to be abandoned or have placings worked out on points per game.

The Isthmian League decided before many other leagues to keep schedules paused until at least this week.

Around the same time, Hastings United announced they were shutting down their men’s first team, U23 and U18 operations after some of the men’s first team had tested positive for Covid-19.

Boss Chris Agutter and his players, who are again top of the Isthmian south-east division, will hope the new year will bring news of a restart soon.

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One man who didn’t get Christmas off is club groundsman Simon Rudkins, who tweeted on Boxing Day: “Having had two days of dry weather, took advantage and rotary cut The Pilot Field this morning, cleaning up more leaves and also spiked. No football doesn’t stop the pitch needing TLC.”