U’s target first win of season

Hastings United have still to pick up their first win of the Ryman Premier season after losing 1-0 on the opening day away to Hampton & Richmond Borough and then letting slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at home to Margate in midweek.

The general consensus is that the U’s were the better team in both games but paid the price for a lapse in concentration. “If you switch off at this level you get punished,” said Ray after the Margate game.

“We’ve just got to turn it into 90-minute performances. Saturday we probably had an 88-minute performance where two minutes in the game cost us and tonight we’ve had a 75-minute performance and it’s cost us two more points.

“We’ve lost five points from not performing for 90 minutes but it will come and it will start on Saturday with three points. I know we will get to where we want to be.”

Wingate have yet to open their account this season after defeats to Canvey Island (1-0) and Enfield Town (2-1). Hastings will name a full squad this weekend following the return of Jack Dixon and Liam Upton.

See the Hastings Observer for the full article.

TODAY’S SENIOR FOOTBALL FIXTURES (ALL 3PM)

Ryman League, Premier Division: Hastings Utd v Wingate & Finchley.

FA Cup, preliminary round: Greenwich Borough v Sidley Utd at Holmesdale FC; Worthing v Rye Utd.

Sussex County League, Division 2: Oakwood v Little Common; Westfield v Rustington.

John O’Hara League Cup, 1st round: East Grinstead Town v Bexhill Utd.