Hastings join race for striker

The Pilot Field club have spoken and written to their Sussex rivals about acquiring the 22-year-old who has hit nine goals in all competitions this season to add to the 27 he smashed last year.

Tonbridge Angels have already put in a bid for the hitman but Hastings are willing to top any offer from the Kent club. Eastbourne Borough and Folkestone Invicta are also waiting in the wings.

Burgess Hill, who have slashed their wage bill by two thirds prompting the departure of several experienced players, are reported to want 5,000 for Harper, but a fee in the region of 1,500 to 3,000 is considered more realistic

Hastings director Dave Walters said: "He's on contract so we would have to pay money for him. There are a lot of people interested and an offer has gone in from Tonbridge. What we have said to Burgess Hill is we are prepared to offer more than Tonbridge but they haven't responded. It may be they don't want to sell to us because we are in the same league."

Burgess Hill manager Gary Croydon believes Harper is on the verge of big things and would be reluctant to let him go but it looks like the drastic cost-cutting could force the board's hand.

Hastings' involvement represents an up-turn in fortune for the club because it's been some time since they last paid any money for a player - and a goalscorer like Harper would be a welcome addition to a team that converts nowhere near enough of its chances. "People who regularly stick the ball in the back of the net are very hard to come by," said Hastings manager Steve Lovell.

"I like him as a player. He would be good in our team. I've said that to Dave and he has agreed with me. It just shows the club wants to go places and I'm very happy they've given it their backing. I think that's something that is very important."

Hastings continue their Ryman Division One campaign with two home matches in four days, starting with a visit from fourth-placed Cray Wanderers on Saturday October 30.

Cray are the division's highest scorers - topping even leaders AFC Wimbledon - but they do leak goals, so an entertaining contest is on the cards.

If Sean Ray recovers from a back injury Hastings will play three centre-halves to counter the goal threat and opt for two wing-backs to give them more attacking options. Molesey are the visitors the following Tuesday.

Steve Smith has left the club due to work commitments. The experienced 34-year-old returned to the Pilot Field in the summer and made three appearances before his season was disrupted by a 28-day suspension imposed for a sending-off in a local league cup final at the end of the last campaign.