Take two for United's FA Cup clash

Hastings United's footballers will try again to contest their eagerly-anticipated FA Cup clash away to Margate tonight (Tuesday).
Sam Cruttwell is back from holiday in time for Hastings United's FA Cup third round qualifying tie away to Margate tonight. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteSam Cruttwell is back from holiday in time for Hastings United's FA Cup third round qualifying tie away to Margate tonight. Picture courtesy Scott White
Sam Cruttwell is back from holiday in time for Hastings United's FA Cup third round qualifying tie away to Margate tonight. Picture courtesy Scott White

The third round qualifying tie was called-off at the 11th hour on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch following heavy rain in the Thanet area and subsequently rearranged for tonight.

It was the only FA Cup clash anywhere in the country to be postponed at the weekend and although it means United's fixtures are stacking up still further over the coming weeks and months, it was good news for midfielder Sam Cruttwell, who is now back from holiday.

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Steve Watt will come back in at centre-half after injury so Richard Davies is likely to shuffle across to right-back. Barry Cogan and Stephen Butcher are cup-tied, but Alex Akrofi should be available having been an unused substitute for Concord Rangers in the previous round. Sam Cole is still injured.

Hastings United will return to Hartsdown Park tonight to face National League South club Margate.Hastings United will return to Hartsdown Park tonight to face National League South club Margate.
Hastings United will return to Hartsdown Park tonight to face National League South club Margate.

Margate are 16th in National League South with 13 points from 12 games, while United are 15th in Ryman League Division One South with 12 points from eight matches.

United have come through three rounds to reach this stage, all of them away from home, without conceding a goal. Those victories have earned them £9,425 from the FA’s prize fund and another win tonight would secure a further £7,500.

The winners will be away to Ryman League Premier Division club Harrow Borough in fourth round qualifying on Saturday October 15.

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