Ray questions United players

Three defeats on the spin have left Sean Ray questioning whether his players are good enough to get Hastings United out of the relegation mire.

The U’s, who have also failed to score in any of these games, hover precariously above the Ryman Premier trapdoor going into the crucial Easter weekend.

Hastings face two tough fixtures in three days against teams hoping to make the play-offs starting with a home clash against Concord Rangers today (Saturday) before visiting Sussex rivals Lewes on Monday.

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Three of the four relegation places are pretty much filled but the battle to avoid the final spot has become a straight dogfight between Harrow Borough, Hastings and Leatherhead.

Player-boss Ray was “really, really upset” by the second half performance in the 2-0 defeat at home to Wealdstone in midweek.

“I’m now questioning my group of players and asking whether they are good enough to get us out of this position, and I don’t know the answers,” he said.

“I was so disappointed with the reaction to going 1-0 down and it’s not acceptable from some of them. I’ve got a group of players who need to go and have a look at themselves because they want paying every week and at the minute I’ve got certain individuals that aren’t earning their money.

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“We just don’t seem to be strong enough mentally or physically to cope with it and get our way back into games, and that’s concerning me now.

“I don’t want to play pretty football and lose, I’d rather play ugly and win because it’s all about points now. We’ve got two tough games and there is no denying or hiding from that fact but this is where I need to see some men now. Are they good enough? You’ll see over the Easter weekend.”

Leading scorer Zac Attwood is expected to be available after struggling with illness during the week. Return to this website this evening for a report.

TODAY’S SENIOR FOOTBALL FIXTURES (ALL 3PM)

Ryman League, Premier Division: Hastings Utd v Concord Rangers.

Sussex County League, Division 1: Sidley Utd v Redhill.

Division 2: Little Common v Loxwood; Storrington v Westfield.