The defender - who played an important role in Borough's promotion to the Blue Square Premier last season - is due to join on a dual registration basis.

"He's a bit of a talker and an organiser and that's what we want him to do," said Hastings manager John Lambert.

If everything goes to plan, Ballard will go straight into the team for this weekend's trip to Harlow Town.

The U's are certainly in desperate need of some fresh blood judging by the miserable 2-0 defeat at home to Harrow Borough in midweek.

The result enabled Harrow - who turned up with only two substitutes (one of which was a reserve goalkeeper) and without a physio - to celebrate their first win of the campaign and leapfrog Hastings in the Ryman Premier table.

Lambert's misfiring side now sits second from bottom with just three points out of a possible 18.

Sam Crabb - Hastings' previous dual registered player from Priory Lane -has left the club after just three appearances.