Hastings part company with Hopkinson

A club statement read: “The club regrets to announce that it has this afternoon parted company with first team manager Jason Hopkinson following United’s 1-1 draw away to Bedfont Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy.”

Hopkinson took over as manager in December 2010 and although Hastings lost their first seven fixtures and won only once in his first 12 games in charge, they were eventually able to secure their Ryman Premier Division status on the last day on the season.

Hastings have managed only three victories in 15 matches in all competitions so far this season, and sit just above the relegation zone. They also have the joint worse goal-scoring record in the league with only nine strikes in 12 games.

Only Zac Attwood’s 90th minute free kick prevented Hastings from suffering another early exit in the FA Trophy against their Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central strugglers.

The home side took the lead on 63 minutes through Wayne O’Sullivan after his first attempt had been parried by goalkeeper Lloyd Anderson.

The replay will be at The Pilot Field on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.