We won’t be daunted, says United boss

Richard Rose delivers a cross during Hastings United's 2-0 defeat at home to Folkestone Invicta in late September. Picture courtesy Terry S. Blackman

The U’s will travel to fourth-placed Folkestone in Ryman Football League Division One South today (Saturday) for the first time since their agonising play-off semi-final defeat at the Fullicks Stadium last April.

United boss Kane said: “We won’t be daunted by going to Folkestone. They’re a decent side and that’s why they’re in the top four. It’s normally a good encounter.”

Folkestone have lost four of their last five league games, conceding 16 goals and scoring 13 in the process.

“It’s a local derby and I would like to think we owe them one,” continued Kane. “They beat us comfortably at The Pilot Field and I would like to think we’ll put up more of a fight.

“We do look threatening going forwards and they’re obviously a little bit suspect at the back for whatever reasons at the moment. Hopefully we can take advantage of that.

“We’ve got a more settled side now, and we’ve introduced some more youth and fresh legs along with the experience we’ve got.”

Kane is hopeful that Sam Cruttwell will return and Liam Foster, who has been performing well for the under-21s, will be added to the squad. Injured midfielder Fraser Logan probably won’t be risked after suffering a reaction to training last week.

TODAY’S FOOTBALL FIXTURES

(Kick-off 3pm unless stated)

Ryman League, Division 1 South: Folkestone Invicta v Hastings Utd.

Macron Store Sussex County League, Division 2: Little Common v Mile Oak; Steyning Town v Bexhill Utd; Westfield v Saltdean Utd 2.

Reserve Section (East): Bexhill Utd v Westfield; Hailsham Town v Little Common.

Macron East Sussex League (2), Premier Division: Iden v Robertsbridge Utd; Rock-a-Nore v Ninfield Utd; St Leonards Social v Battle Baptists.

Division 1: Hawkhurst Utd v Hollington Utd II; Mountfield Utd v Bexhill AAC; Sandhurst v Little Chelsea; Sidley Utd v Icklesham Casuals.

Division 2: Crowhurst v Wittersham; Eastbourne Rangers v Old Hastonians; Northiam 75 v Catsfield.

Division 3: AFC Hastings v Hooe Sports; Herstmonceux II v Sovereign Saints; Visick v Eastbourne Athletic.

Division 4: Bexhill Rovers v Burwash; St Leonards Social II v West Hill Utd; Westfield III v Conquest Utd.

Division 5: Grasshoppers Old Boys v Parkfield; Sedlescombe Rangers II v Hailsham Athletico; Victoria Baptists v Ticehurst II; Wittersham II v Magham Down.

Division 6: Icklesham Casuals II v Sandhurst II; Orington v Hampden Park Utd; Punnetts Town II v Hawkhurst Utd II.

Birchwood Group Challenge Cup quarter-final (1.30): Hollington Utd v Sedlescombe Rangers.

Hastings & District FA Junior Cup (1.30), 2nd round: Battle Baptists II v Ticehurst; Pebsham Sibex v Ninfield Utd II. Quarter-final: Wadhurst Utd v Peche Hill Select II.

Hastings & District FA Lower Divisions Cup (1.30), 2nd round: Robertsbridge Utd II v FC Westridge; JC Tackleway II v Battle Baptists III. Quarter-finals: Bexhill AAC II v Mayfield; Peasmarsh Utd v Little Common III.