Lovell looking for positive response

Hastings crashed 3-2 away to Corinthian Casuals at the weekend and two of the goals they conceded were gifts including a match-winning own goal by Peter Mortley.

The Hastings manager had harsh words at full time because he felt several players lacked the desire to get something out of the match. "It's not often I lose my temper but I think sometimes it doesn't do any harm," he said. "In the two goalmouths we don't seem to have that desire or that bravery to win games."

Chris Honey and Jon Wallis scored for Hastings during an amazing opening half an hour which produced all the game's goals.

Hastings have dominated possession in plenty of fixtures this season but seem to lack that edge which turns defeats into draws and draws into wins. "We have not done that badly but from the start of the season we have taken a step back and I don't want that to continue. I want to nip it in the bud," Lovell went on before warning that there would be changes if certain players didn't change their attitude.

"They are good enough but they've got to realise that there is more to football than just passing the ball around. They have got to show desire."

Newport should provide the perfect springboard for Hastings to get their season up and running because the Islanders would appear in disarray, going down 6-1 at home to Tooting and Mitcham last weekend. "All it needs is a run of three or four games and you're right back up there again and it needs to start Saturday," Lovell rallied.

Leading scorer Carl Rook misses the match on Saturday November 20 through suspension after collecting five bookings so Danny Ellis, who has impressed for the reserves, is set to start. Midfield playmaker Ryan Peters (hamstring) could also be involved provided he comes through training whilst Simon Rowland (ribs) might have to make do with a place on the substitutes' bench at best. Jimmy Elford and Sean Ray will be back to bolster the defence after missing the Corinthian defeat.

Hastings, who continue their league programme at Dulwich Hamlet on Tuesday, have dispatched a seven-day letter for Hailsham Town captain and defender Leon Legg and are still on the lookout for a striker after it was confirmed that Richard Sinden would be staying put at Maidstone United.