United desperate to end cup agony

The U's haven't won in the world's most famous knockout competition since September 16, 2006 when they triumphed 2-0 away to Dartford.

That season's run came to a grinding halt in the very next round with a 5-1 hammering away to Metropolitan Police.

Since then Hastings and the FA Cup just haven't got on as testing draws saw them suffer a succession of rapid exits - and miss out on considerable prize-money available to winning teams in each round - against Ramsgate (1-0) in 2007, Dartford (3-2) in 2008 and Farnborough (2-1) in 2009.

The first qualifying round trip to Nyewood Lane presents another tricky challenge because Town have made a good start to the season and sit second in Ryman Division One (South).

"It's not going to be easy," said Hastings manager Tony Dolby. "I would love to do well in the FA Cup and I'll be doing everything in my power to have good runs in the FA Cup and the FA Trophy."

Hastings go into the game aiming to bounce back from their first defeat of the season when they went down 3-2 at home to Ryman Premier leaders Sutton United on Tuesday.

Summer signing John Beales has informed Dolby that he has no wish to speak to Tonbridge Angels and is happy to stay put after Hastings received a seven-day letter from the Kent outfit requesting permission to speak to the defender.

Rhys Whyborne is taking a break from football because "he has lost his enjoyment a little bit," according to Dolby. "It's down to him how long he takes. In his words, it's not quite happening for him."

TODAY'S SENIOR FOOTBALL FIXTURES (ALL 3PM KICK-OFFS):

FA Cup, 1st qualifying round: Bognor Regis Town v HASTINGS UNITED.

Sussex County League, Division 1: RYE UNITED v Ringmer at Tunbridge Wells FC; St Francis Rangers v SIDLEY UNITED.

Division 2: Clymping v BEXHILL UNITED; LITTLE COMMON v Worthing United; Oakwood v WESTFIELD.

Return here this evening to find out the results.