Tough tests await as Hastings United click into gear

Hastings manager Chris Agutter believes his promotion hunters are clicking nicely into gear – but warns of difficult tests ahead of them.
Hastings United go ahead against VCD / Picture: Scott WhiteHastings United go ahead against VCD / Picture: Scott White
Hastings United go ahead against VCD / Picture: Scott White

United ended the unbeaten start of leaders VCD with a 2-1 win at The Pilot Field last weekend to move into the Isthmian south east division’s top six.

That followed a five-goal show at Haywards Heath and Agutter is delighted with form, but he has a warning too.

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“The scoreline didn’t reflect how dominant we were against VCD. We created plenty and should have scored more. Nevertheless, to take six points from the Haywards Heath and VCD games was very pleasing.

“Apart from the penalty shootout defeat in the FA Cup we’re unbeaten since we restarted and must look to continue that.”

Hastings host Isthmian south central side FC Romania in the FA Trophy tomorrow and are at home to Three Bridges in the league on Tuesday.

“All the pressure is on us in the Trophy game. People will expect us to to win it. But FC Romania play at the same level as us so we can’t take anything for granted,” Agutter said.

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“And I’ve never known an easy game against Three Bridges. They won at Ramsgate last Saturday, which shows you what they are capable of.”

There’s good and bad news on the firepower front.

Hotshot Davide Rodari is available for selection tomorrow after recovering from a long-term knee injury, but now star summer signing Lloyd Dawes is likely to need two operations to diagnose then deal with medial knee ligament damage.

Agutter said: “It’s fantastic having Davide back but a huge blow that Lloyd looks to be out long-term. As a club we will look after him but we don’t know when he’ll next play.”

At least Sam Adams is banging in the goals. He got the opener against VCD and Agutter said: “He’s brilliant – he’s closing in on 600 games for the club and is a legend.”