U’s and Bognor meet again

United will be hoping to avenge their Parafix Sussex Senior Challenge Cup semi-final defeat in midweek as they travel across the county for a Ryman Football League Premier Division fixture.

The U’s went down 2-1 at Lancing on Wednesday despite looking the better side for much of a first half in which Zac Attwood equalised. Dan Thompson won it for Bognor with his second goal of a bitterly cold night in the 77th minute.

Today’s meeting is more important for United than their opponents, though, because the U’s occupy the second and final relegation spot, while Bognor are nine places and 17 points better off having played three more matches.

United’s battle to beat the drop wasn’t helped by Thurrock pulling off a surprise 1-0 victory at promotion-chasing Lowestoft Town on Thursday night. That result moved the Essex outfit up to fourth-bottom, above a Lewes side which is just three points above United having played four more matches.

United are hoping that Bradley Goldberg will finally return from injury this weekend. The club’s leading scorer has been training and receiving treatment every day.

Matt Cruttwell, Dee Okojie and Tom Vickers are a week or two from fitness.

Matt Armstrong-Ford is not expected to feature again this term following a recurrence of his long-term injury, but Sam Adams is available again after being cup-tied in midweek. Kick-off is 3pm.

United’s reserve team fixture at home to Hanworth Villa in Suburban League Premier B has been postponed because the opposition are unable to raise a side. The U’s won’t be awarded the points, however, as the game will be rearranged.

TODAY’S FOOTBALL FIXTURES (3PM UNLESS STATED)

Ryman League, Premier Division: Bognor Regis Town v Hastings Utd.

Sussex County League, Division 1: Rye Utd v Pagham 2; Sidley Utd v Hassocks 2.

Division 2: Littlehampton Town v Little Common 2; Loxwood v Westfield; Mile Oak v Bexhill Utd.

Reserve Section (Premier): Rye Utd v Pagham 4.30.

Reserve Section (East): Little Common v Southwick; Sidley Utd v Hailsham Town 4.30; Westfield v Seaford Town.

ADA East Sussex League, Premier Division: Langney Wanderers v Peche Hill Select (double header) 2; Rock-a-Nore v Ninfield Utd (double header) 2; St Leonards Social v Hooe Sports (double header) 2; Robertsbridge Utd v Ticehurst 1.30; Spartan 04 v Hollington Utd (at Hollington).

Division 1: Bexhill AAC v Ore Athletic; Catsfield v Eastbourne Albert; Hawkhurst Utd v Hollington Utd II; Orington v Sandhurst.

Division 2: Crowborough Athletic III v Sedlescombe Rangers; Hastings Rangers v Windsor; Herstmonceux v Battle Baptists (double header) 2; Icklesham Casuals v Wadhurst Utd 2 (double header).

Division 3: JC Tackleway v Rock-a-Nore II (double header) 2; Ninfield Utd II v AFC Hastings; St Helens v Pebsham Sibex; Travaux v St Leonards Social II; Wittersham v Eastbourne Fishermen 1.30.

Division 4: Eastbourne Athletic v Bexhill Utd III (double header) 2; Eastbourne Rangers v Magham Down; Herstmonceux II v Guestling; Iden II v Burwash; Mayfield v West Hill Utd; Peche Hill Select II v Peasmarsh Utd.

Division 5: FC Bexhill v Icklesham Casuals II (double header) 2; Parkfield v Battle Baptists II (double header) 2; Sedlescombe Rangers II v Victoria Baptists; Westfield III v Eastbourne Royals (double header) 2; Wittersham II v Grasshoppers Old Boys 3.30.

Division 6: Battle Baptists III v Hawkhurst Utd II; Little Common III v Bexhill Rovers; Robertsbridge Utd II v JC Tackleway II 3.30; Sandhurst II v Hampden Park Utd.