United ready for big kick-off

Expectations are higher than they have been for a number of years following an influx of quality new signings to bolster a squad that finished seventh last time out.

The latest addition is ex-Brentford goalkeeper Clark Masters. The Hastings-born 23-year-old - whose previous club was Hayes & Yeading - will make his debut this weekend after impressing in pre-season.

"He's got a good pedigree and he's a very good keeper," said United manager Tony Dolby. "It was a chance to get somebody in to strengthen the squad and I would have been silly not to have taken the opportunity to sign him."

Masters' arrival means Hastings - who are not running a reserve team this season - are now blessed with no less than three goalkeepers with the others being Scott Chalmers-Stevens and Josh Pelling.

Hastings will be keen to hit the ground running against opposition who, like them, only just missed out on finishing in the play-off places last season.

"A good start is always important but it's not the be-all and end-all because last year we drew the first game and lost the next two before going on an incredible run and went up to second in the table," Dolby said. "But we will be aiming to get off to a good start because it builds momentum.

"Physically and mentally we're ready. There's a couple of nice selection problems to resolve formation-wise and personnel-wise but whatever formation we go with and whatever the personnel, with the squad I've got it should be enough."

TODAY'S FOOTBALL FIXTURES (ALL 3PM)

Ryman League, Premier Division: HASTINGS UNITED v Wealdstone.

Sussex County League, Division 1: Redhill v RYE UNITED; Three Bridges v SIDLEY UNITED.

Division 2: Loxwood v BEXHILL UNITED; Storrington v LITTLE COMMON; WESTFIELD v Littlehampton Town.

Return here this evening to find out the results.