Hastings raring to go

Hastings United celebrate scoring in their last match against Peacehaven & Telscombe. Picture by Terry S. Blackman

The U’s will entertain Herne Bay tonight (Monday) in a match which will mark the start of the second half of their Ryman Football League Division One South programme.

Having completed just three league games since December 7, it’s been a very frustrating period for a United side which has endured five weather-related postponements in the past month.

John Maggs’s side has slid to fourth in the table as a result, although a win tonight would move United level on points with second-placed Leatherhead - who they are due to visit on Saturday - with a game in hand.

United were beaten by in-form leaders Peacehaven & Telscombe in their last home outing on Saturday January 11, but they’ve still picked up 29 points from a possible 36 at The Pilot Field this season.

Herne Bay, who are just inside the top half of the table, have endured an even worse run with the weather having played just once since December 21 - a 5-1 drubbing against Ramsgate the weekend before last.

The teams have met once this season back in late September when United recorded a very good 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture against a Herne Bay outfit which at the time was unbeaten in the league since the opening day.

Kick-off at The Pilot Field is 7.45pm and if you can’t make it to the match, follow @SimonNewstead on Twitter for regular updates.