Welcome to the latest Squad Update for our Mens and Womens First Teams
Following three wins in the last four games, we wanted to give you an update on where the men’s squad stands heading into this weekend’s game against Sheppey – Tap below for tickets
Three wins from three games was always going to bring renewed energy, and rightly so. A special note must go to the amazing travelling support at Margate, who brought so much energy to the day and played their part in an important 3–0 victory. While the defeat to Sevenoaks may have felt dampening, there will be some harsh lessons learned by Dave, the staff, and the players. However, one result does not need to cause panic or unsettle the good work that has been done to this point.
We have had fewer incoming players than were needed in October and November; however, we have welcomed Finlay Lovatt, Lorenzo, and most recently Dylan Pauw, who played at centre-half on Tuesday night. While Lovatt and Lorenzo are seen as longer-term signings, Dylan has been dual-registered from Roffey as additional cover as we work to get Dean Gunner, Charlie Paye, and hopefully Brad Barry back fit and firing. The absence of Eugene Asike on Tuesday may have panicked a few supporters; however, have no fear, ‘The General’ is simply visiting family back home for the festive period and will be back with us in a few games’ time.
Jamal Lubanga has departed the club by mutual consent, and we would like to wish our academy graduate all the very best going forward. Charlie Scarles has joined Bexhill United on loan, and in recent weeks Rusharr Samuel-Smirkle departed to rejoin Crowborough. Naturally, we wish all departing players the best and will keep a close eye on Charlie during his time at Bexhill United.
Regarding the Women’s Team, now is a good time to provide an update on progress this season. While ambitious in our goals, this campaign was always going to be one of trial and error, with many changes required both on and off the pitch. We are currently on course for a comfortable mid-table finish, and while that may not fully align with the ambition that the DNA of Hastings United demands, after two difficult seasons it represents progress in the right direction. We must get back to making Hastings United Women the hardest fixture in the league and turn winning into a habit which the staff are committed to long term.
In terms of departures, sadly Amelie Sebestyen leaves us as she returns home to Germany. She has been fantastic for the club during her short time here, and we wish her all the very best. On the incoming side, keep your eyes peeled as we look to be active over the coming weeks.
We are delighted to welcome Concept Vacuum Limited as a Gold Partner of Hastings United Football Club!
A huge thank you to James Keefe and Lucy Colgate for their incredible support in helping get this partnership off the ground. We are excited to work together and look forward to a fruitful and successful partnership ahead.
Concept Vacuum are specialists in vacuum forming solutions, providing high quality design, tooling and manufacturing services for a wide range of industries.
They are one of the many fantastic businesses in our local community, and now also one making a real difference by supporting our projects for the benefit of the local community as a valued partner.
Welcome to the U’s family, Concept Vacuum!
Support the U’s and be part of an exciting second half of the season by securing your Half Season Ticket today.
Your ticket begins with our opening fixture of 2026 against Crowborough Athletic on Saturday, January 3rd, and covers all remaining home league matches, including:
• AFC Whyteleafe
• Three Bridges
• Merstham
• East Grinstead Town
• Margate
• VCD Athletic
• Ashford United
• Our final home game vs Herne Bay on Saturday, April 18th
Early Bird Bonus: Purchase before 19th December and receive a FREE ticket to our final league game of 2025 against Sheppey United on Saturday, December 20th—with our compliments.
Men’s Half Season Ticket 25/26 season Offer
• £70.75 Adult ( £7.86 per game)
• £49.50 Concession * (£5.50per game)
Your half season ticket also includes entrance to all League home games involving the following teams. Men’s senior team Women’s senior team Under 23 men’s team Under 18 men’s team PLUS An invitation to bring a guest for FREE to 2 fixtures during the 2nd half of the season (Club to choose which games this will apply)
HASTINGS UNITED PARTNERS WITH ONLINE TICKET SELLER TO INTRODUCE A NEW DIGITAL TURNSTILE SYSTEM
The Club is pleased to announce the next stage of its digital ticketing upgrade in partnership with Online Ticket Seller, a trusted local provider of ticketing solutions. Having successfully launched online ticket sales last season, the club is now rolling out a fully integrated digital system across its turnstiles.
Supporters can continue to purchase tickets for fixtures and events through the dedicated online shop: https://hastingsunited.onlineticketseller.com
The new phase of the partnership focuses on enhancing the matchday experience by introducing advanced access control technology. Online Ticket Seller will supply upgraded hardware and software at the turnstiles, allowing real time synchronisation between online and in person sales. This will deliver faster scanning, reduced queues, improved crowd flow, and a more efficient operation for staff.
Christos Stylianou, Managing Director of Online Ticket Seller, said:
“We are proud to continue our work with Hastings United FC. Our aim is to support local organisations by providing reliable and straightforward digital ticketing, and the new turnstile system will significantly streamline matchday entry.”
Back by popular demand is our family friendly New Years Eve Party
We are proud to announce that we will be hosting our ever popular Family NYE event!
This year it will feature a
Free buffet
Free Disco
Free glass of Bubbly at Midnight
Free Parking
And wait for it …….. Kids under 5 go FREE
ADMISSION PRICES
ADULTS: £10.00
UNDER 16: £5.00
UNDER 5’s: FREE
Hastings United Inclusive & Disability Team travelled to Lancing today for three league fixtures.
1st game Vs East Surrey Hawks
The team was so unlucky to come away with a 1-0 loss as we controlled the game from start to finish but just couldn’t find the final finish.
But we knew we could build from this performance and team did just that .
2nd game Vs Brighton and Hove Green.
This was another dominating performance from the lads and Lady . We kept the ball so well and worked hard for one another on and off the ball and walked away with a 2-0 victory.
3rd game Vs Brighton and Hove Purple.
We started this game a bit slow and found ourselves behind early but they didn’t let this get to them and this is a massive thing that has changed with the team this season as before heads would of dropped and the arguing would of begun.
Today they dusted themselves down and kept on playing the way we wanted them to and won the game 2-1.
Players Player – Ed
Fantastic today never stopped running, great goals and link up play
Manager’s Player – Charlie
Didn’t like me playing him there at first but boy did he do well in CDM . He won nearly every battle played some lovely passes. Proper Declan Rice performance
Me and Lewis was so impressed with everyone today you should be proud of how far you have all come as a team
Thank you to all that came and supported
SQUAD UPDATE
Following last night’s 3-3 away draw at Eastbourne Town, we wanted to provide an update on the current squad, including recent arrivals and departures.
Marc Swainston and Bruno Tavares have departed the club, and we wish them both all the very best. The short-term loans of Julius Nwike (from Southend United) and Will Harley (from Eastbourne Borough) have also come to an end, and we’d like to thank them for their contributions and wish them well in their next steps.
Last night marked a proud moment for the club’s pathway as Harry Howes made his First Team debut. Harry has been with the club since his Academy days, progressed into the U18s, and spent last season on loan at AFC Uckfield Town, where he gained valuable experience and collected multiple end-of-season awards. Having continued his development this season at The Oaks, it was fantastic to see him back in a Hastings United shirt.
We’re also pleased to announce the loan signing of Alfie Hilden from Bromley. The defensive midfielder made an immediate impact by scoring his first goal for the club last night.
While there has been some recent squad movement, our aim remains the same, to maintain a balance of experience alongside some of the most exciting young players proudly wearing a Hastings United jersey.
Injury Update:
• Tom Vickers is set for surgery and will be a longer-term absence.
• Brad Barry pulled up during the warm-up last night, and we await further news.
• Dean Gunner is a mid-term concern but recovering better than expected, with hopes of a return around Christmas.
• Harley Earle, Eugene Asike, and George Taggart all missed last night’s game but are expected to return soon.
A special mention to our Women’s Captain, Lauren Skinner-Swain, who has unfortunately suffered an ACL injury and will miss the remainder of the season. Currently on 99 appearances for the ‘U’s, we’ll soon be sharing details on how supporters can help during her recovery and support her return to the pitch to reach her 100th appearance, and many more beyond.
The staff and players deeply appreciate the continued support, let’s keep this momentum going!
If you can, get down to The Pilot Field tomorrow
Welcome to the November
Bulletin from Hastings United FC
TEAM NEWS
MENS FIRST TEAM
A very warm welcome to David Altendorff Hastings United First Team Manager
8th November – HOME to Beckenham Town
11th November – away to Eastbourne Town
15th November – away to Herne Bay
22nd November – HOME to Jersey Bulls – 12:45pm KO
29th November – away to Erith Town
WOMENS FIRST TEAM
Please keep in touch with all team news, fixtures and results on our Social Media pages
INCLUSIVE & DISABILITY TEAM
Sussex FA disability league – Match reports.
BHA Found Purple 1-0 Hastings united Inclusive
The first game I thought the guys and girls did was fantastic. They were in control throughout the whole game. The connections between players passes were immense. Defending was fantastic also. It was really nice to see that the players are taking on board what we are training and bringing that to the pitch. Before the game I spoke about how a football match will always have mistakes and unfortunately that was how the goal came against us. A mistake which went on the opposition favour saw a goal go past. The players kept their heads up but unfortunately we couldn’t find an equaliser.
Hastings United Inclusive 0-1 Worthing FC Red
Before our second game I spoke to the players and told them how pleased I was with their performance in the first game. I told them to do exactly as they were doing and bring that performance into the second game. Again from the whistle the players passed and looked for that attack instead of trying to over think, simple football which they were doing saw us attacking but again we couldn’t find the net. In my opinion, some bad choices were made by the referee which didn’t help but no matter what the referee choices are we always have to respect their decisions. The Worthing goal was nothing spectacular so we wash our hands from this game and look towards next month’s fixtures where I’m sure a win will be waiting for us.
Well played Hastings United Inclusive and Disability team. The way they played today, I can see a strong season ahead for us.
Lewis Willard – Head of Hastings United Youth and Adults Inclusive and Disability Team
WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM
No report for this month but details of how to participate in our Walking Football team are available from tonyharris750@hotmail.com.
UNDER 18’s
October was a highly successful month for Hastings United U18s, with the team securing three consecutive victories across league and cup competitions. The squad demonstrated attacking dominance, tactical maturity, and mental resilience, positioning themselves in mid table in the Isthmian Youth U18 League.
Hastings United U18 vs Worthing U18
Date: 6 October 2025 Result: Hastings United 3 – 2 Worthing Competition: League Fixture Summary: A competitive fixture saw Hastings edge past Worthing in a closely fought match. The team showed strong attacking intent and composure under pressure, securing the win with a decisive goal from Reuben Martin at the end of the first half.
Hastings United U18 vs Willingdon U18
Date: 12 October 2025 Result: Hastings United 11 – 0 Willingdon Competition: Sussex County Cup Summary: A dominant cup performance highlighted the attacking prowess of the squad. Hastings controlled the game from start to finish, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline. The clean sheet reflected excellent defensive organisation and goalkeeping.
Hastings United U18 vs Broadbridge Heath U18
Date: October 2025 (Exact date not specified) Result: 2 – 2 (Hastings won 7–6 on penalties) Competition: Isthmian League Cup Summary: In a dramatic encounter, Hastings battled to a draw in regular time before emerging victorious in a tense penalty shootout. The match showcased the team’s resilience and mental strength, with standout performances from both Charlie Brown and finishing the game with seven U16’s on the pitch.
Key Highlights
· Goals Scored: 16 · Goals Conceded: 4 · Clean Sheets:
· Win Rate: 100% (3/3 matches)
Squad Development · Continued integration of younger players into the U18 setup.
· Tactical flexibility and improved game management evident across fixtures.
· Strong leadership from senior players contributing to team cohesion and performance
Hastings United U18s delivered an outstanding set of performances in October, reflecting the quality of coaching and player development within the club. The team’s unbeaten run and high goal tally are promising indicators for the remainder of the season.
UNDER 23’s
October was a highly productive month for Hastings United U23s, with the team remaining unbeaten across three fixtures in both league and cup competitions. The squad demonstrated attacking strength, defensive solidity, and tactical discipline, reflecting the club’s commitment to player development and competitive performance.
Faversham Town U23 vs Hastings United U23
Date: October 2025 Result: 3 – 3 Competition: SCEFL Development League Summary: A thrilling encounter saw Hastings United U23s share the points in a six-goal match. Despite conceding three goals, the team showed resilience and attacking intent to secure a draw away from home.
Horsham Crusaders U23 vs Hastings United U23
Date: October 2025 Result: 0 – 6 Competition: County Cup Summary: A dominant cup performance highlighted the squad’s attacking depth and defensive control. Hastings United U23s overwhelmed their opponents with six unanswered goals, securing a clean sheet and progressing confidently in the competition
Hastings United U23 vs Margate U23
Date: October 2025 Result: 5 – 1 Competition: SCEFL Development League Summary: Back on home turf, Hastings delivered a commanding performance against Margate. The team controlled possession, created numerous chances, and converted five of them, while maintaining defensive discipline to limit Margate to a single goal.
Key Highlights
· Goals Scored: 14· Goals Conceded: 4· Clean Sheets: 1
· Win Rate: 67% (2 wins, 1 draw)
Squad Development
· The team continues to serve as a vital bridge between youth and senior football.
· Several standout individual performances, particularly in attacking roles.
· Tactical maturity and squad rotation have allowed for consistent performance across competitions.
· The U23s provide valuable match experience for emerging talent and first-team fringe players.
Hastings United U23s demonstrated excellent form throughout October, with strong performances in both league and cup fixtures. The unbeaten run and high goal tally reflect the squad’s growing confidence and cohesion, setting a positive tone for the months ahead.
Jonathan Gardner
FEATURES / FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Barbara & Phil’s Super Christmas Raffle
Please remember to bring your raffle ticket stubs back and give to Barbara or Phil in the Programme Pod
REMEMBER, REMEMBER the 14th November
HUFC NEW YEARS EVE PARTY – Watch this space as Tickets are out very very soon
This will be the last Club Bulletin in the present format and I am having a break from collating the information. You can of course keep up to date on the Club Facebook pages or other Social media postings. COYU’s – Bob Hodgson
Following our weekend win, and with a number of moving parts, we would like to provide a short update and recap regarding our Men’s First Team.
Eugene Asike, Sam Pidgeon, Jordan Mase, and Hayden Skerry have all joined us at The Pilot Field, each receiving a warm welcome from our supporters. With arrivals, there are naturally also departures. We can confirm that Jack Lyons and Charlie Ball have both requested to leave the club. While we still currently hold their registrations, we wish them all the best for the future once their next moves are completed.
In more positive news, although patience is still required, we are pleased to report that Tom Chalmers has begun the next phase of his rehabilitation and is now back around the squad at training, another encouraging step in his recovery.
This weekend we welcome Beckenham Town, while our U23s travel to Maidstone United on Tuesday and our U18s head to Chichester City on Wednesday.
Sussex FA Disability League
MATCH 1
BHA Found Purple 1-0 Hastings United
The first game I thought the guys and girls did was fantastic. They were in control throughout the whole game. The connections between players passes were immense. Defending was fantastic also. It was really nice to see that the players are talking on board what we are training and bringing that to the pitch. Before the game I spoke about how a football match will always have mistakes and unfortunately that was how the goal came against us. A mistake which went on the opposition favour saw a goal go past. The players kept their heads up but unfortunately we couldn’t find an equaliser.
MATCH 2
Hastings United 0-1 Worthing FC Red
Before our second game I spoke to the players and told them how pleased I was with their performance in the first game. I told them to do exactly as they were doing and bring that performance into the second game. Again from the whistle the players passed and looked for that attack instead of trying to over think, simple football which they were doing saw us attacking but again we couldn’t find the net. In my opinion, some bad choices were made by the referee which didn’t help but no matter what the referee choices are we always have to respect their decisions. The Worthing goal was nothing spectacular so we wash our hands from this game and look towards next month’s fixtures where I’m sure a win will be waiting for us.
Hastings United Inclusive & Disability Team are proudly sponsored by Poppypac Logistics
Well played Hastings United Inclusive and Disability team. The way they played today, I can see a strong season ahead for us.
This coming Saturday 1st November. We go up to Eastbourne for an 11 a side friendly.
Our Sponsors
