Hastings United are delighted to announce Amy Critchfield will be staying at The Pilot Field
Amy, a commanding centre back who joined from Worthing has played 24 times for The ‘U’s over 3 seasons having relocated to Loughborough for University returns back to the south east coast.
Amy Critchfield:
“I’m excited to have decided to stay at Hastings this season. The girls are such a special group and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can build on. Pre season is off to a great start and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve.”
Billy Wood:
“This is such an important signing, just like her sister, Amy has helped the club out where she can across the last few seasons. A quality centre back who we are delighted has picked staying here with other options higher up in the pyramid available. It’s no secret I wanted to sign Amy back in 2021 and to now back from university to get to work with Amy this season is just another boost to our long term plans.”
Hastings United are delighted to announce the retention of Megan Critchfield.
Megan, joined the club in 2021, where she was named ‘Young Player of the Year’ not only is retained, but has also steps up as Club Vice Captain.
Megan Critchfield:
“I’m happy to be staying at Hastings for another season. It means a lot to be part of a group of girls who’ve stuck together through some tough times, now we’re ready to build on that and keep pushing forward as a team with the support of the club.”
Billy Wood:
“I am absolutely delighted to keep Meg at the club. She has for the past three seasons been at university and has always come down to bail the team out playing in crucial games when needed.
It feels like the right time to put Meg into the role of Vice Captain, as she will be such a key part of the club both on and off the pitch.”
Hastings United are delighted to announce the signing of exciting 18 year old winger, Jack Lyons.
Lyons, joins us from Rusthall, where he has received plaudits and praise for the 24/25 season.
Jack Lyons:
“Joining Hastings United at 18 means a lot to me. I’m ready to work hard, learn and give my best on the pitch for my teammates and the supporters. Ready to get started!”
Lee Carey:
“Signing Jack is a coup as he has a lot of interest over the last 6 months from Football League and non league clubs higher up the pyramid. At 18 he has the ability to really push on and we feel this is the right environment for Jack to thrive and light up the Isthmian South East.”
We are pleased to invite you to join the Hastings United Media Team
We have the following roles available
Matchday PA Announcer – Be the Voice of The Pilot We’re on the lookout for a passionate, energetic volunteer to bring The Pilot Field to life. From naming the starting line-ups to shouting out goal scorers, sponsors, and our Player of the Match — you’ll be centre stage every game. If you’ve got a big voice, love football, and want to be part of Hastings’ matchday heartbeat, we want to hear from you. It’s your time on the mic!
Game Day Photographer – Capture the Moments That Matter We’re building something special — and every rebuild needs its story told. Join us as our official matchday photographer and help capture the energy, emotion, and community that defines Hastings United. Working closely with our marketing team, your photos will be featured across social media, matchday programmes, and more. Whether you’re a budding creative or an experienced lens, this is your chance to shape the visual identity of The ‘U’s.
Hospitality Bar Staff – The VIP Matchday Experience Starts With You Help us raise the bar. Literally. We’re looking for friendly, proactive volunteers to serve drinks and bring a buzz to our hospitality suite on matchdays. You’ll be key to delivering a great experience for our VIP guests — from local partners to club legends. It’s a brilliant way to get closer to the club, meet brilliant people, and be part of something new.
Does this sound like something that you can do, Can you add something to the fan enjoyment then why not get in contact?
For more information or to apply email adam.smith@hastingsunited.com
Out third Pre Season Friendly saw the U’s travel to Haywards Heath
Tom Dyson-Laurie was our man at the ground
With the weather in question as to if the game was going ahead, Hastings United travelled back down to West Sussex for the second Saturday running, this time visiting Haywards Heath.
Wearing the same kit from Tuesday evenings game against Whitehawk, 4 changes were made to the starting 11 from the Whitehawk game with Trialist A getting a start alongside Charlie Bull, James Hull and Tom Vickers. Charlie Scarles and Harry Thompson were on the substitutes bench whilst there was no Dan Hull in either the starting 11 or substitutes bench.
FIRST HALF
As a glimpse of sunlight slowly emerged, it worked in Hastings’s favour early on as Finn Chapman was bought down for a free kick. The resulting free kick which came back off the woodwork ended up with neither side doing anything with the ball, before Dean Gunner found himself in the right place at the right time to poke the ball into the goal opening his Hastings account giving Hastings a 1-0 lead within the first 3 minutes of the game.
Despite United being in the lead, the hosts were coming back into the game as an effort from 15-20 yards out was heading towards the bottom corner which came back of the post and into play leaving Finn Holter in goal watching on in relief it did not go in as the U’s managed clear their lines.
Another effort shortly after from the hosts who were looking ruthless with the ball, saw a long throw in on the right hand side headed outside the penalty area and volleyed just over the crossbar first time.
Down the other end and Tom Vickers played a delightful through ball to Freddie Legg who took a touch into space and struck a powerful effort which flashed just wide to the right of the keepers post.
Yet again, and the hosts were showing signs of wanting to get an equaliser by half-time only to be halted by Dean Gunner who produced a superb header off the line after Hastings failed to get rid of the ball and with Heath coming forward at Hastings with direction and pace down the right and through the middle it was inevitable there were to be more goals in the game.
A Hastings counter attack saw James Hull play the ball out wide to Freddie Legg who struck low and with the keeper clawing the ball away, Hull was inches away from getting a touch to the ball to put it in the goal, but the Heath defenders prevented him from doing so by getting their bodies in the way at the last minute.
Hastings kept going and JJ Walker used his strength to hold off a Haywards Heath player and saw him clip a pass into Legg who struck low at the keeper rather than squaring it to Hull.
How different it could have been if it was taken as Heath went up the other end and drew level. 1-1 resulted in Heath then turning the game around after a through ball saw a breakdown in communication between Gunner and Holter with both players going to the same ball and the latter out of his goal, the ball fell to a Heath player who from 15-20 yards out had an easy job of firing the ball into an open goal and giving the home side a 2-1 lead moments before half time.
Heath weren’t done there and a cross from the right over to the left saw one of their players take the ball down superbly. Fortunately for Hastings, the shot came back off their own player.
SECOND HALF
Two subs made were made and it was not long before Finn Holter was called into action pulling of a tremendous save from close range keeping the score at 2-1.
Hastings’s best chance of the second half came when an inswinging corner from Freddie Legg was headed wide by Gunner.
Heath who were relentless since scoring their second goal went on to get a third after another counter attack this time – Holter having no chance keeping the ball out. 3 could have become 4 moments only for Holter to deny Heath by keeping the ball out with his legs from close range.
A late effort from second half substitute Callum Barlow saw his effort on target which was deflected into the keepers hands after a loose pass. It was the time in the second half that the Haywards Heath keeper had to be called into action, as he was rarely troubled with very little to do.
3-1 to Haywards Heath it finished as the long pre-season commutes draw to a close with Hastings traveling to Westfield on Tuesday evening in just 3 days time looking to bounce back to winning ways.
Tom Dyson-Laurie
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗧 𝑮𝑶
Our L&SERWFL South first release of fixtures are here
Hastings United are delighted to confirm the signing of striker Brooke Nicholson-Rogan.
Brooke is no stranger to Hastings United, she sits in the Top 5 all time goalscorers since the reformation of the Women’s Team in 2020, joining the club in 2022.
Brooke Nicholson-Rogan:
“I’m excited to be back at Hastings, it’s more than a club to me it’s home. After having some time away I’m ready to come back stronger than ever. Buzzing to be back with all the girls and excited to see what the season holds for us.”
Billy Wood:
“I originally signed Brooke in 2022 and it’s great to bring her back to the club. She has come back determined to work hard for her teammates. She has a keen eye for goal and expect her to have a really strong season.”
Hastings United are delighted to announce the retention of defender Vix Phillips.
Phillips, the second all-time appearance record holder at the football club, goes into her 5th season with The ‘U’s.
“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and building on the foundations set last year. I’ve felt at home at Hastings since day one, and am excited to see what this fantastic group of players can achieve over the next 10 months.”
Billy Wood:
“The humblest footballer I’ve come across but also one of the most valuable. Since we got promoted into this division Vix was always such a massive part of any squad I put out, and I couldn’t imagine her not being part of it. She has stuck with the club through it all and the importance of keeping her with us wasn’t lost on my staff as I wouldn’t stop going on about it! There is a reason even if tough times the defence has been solid at this club, and Vix alongside Sharpy and Rosie is testament to that. Other teams and players coming up against us shouldn’t underestimate it.”
We are delighted to announce the retention of midfielder, Katie White.
White picked up the ‘Young Player of the Year’ Award last season, playing 21 times for the First Team.
Katie White:
“I enjoyed my first season in womens football and I am proud to be playing for my local town. I am looking forward to the upcoming season with the girls.”
Billy Wood:
“Katie is a local player, with bundles of quality. Another who possesses a great left foot and I think will really excel in the way we want to play. Getting the balance between young and hungry player plus experience has been so important on our recruitment. There is no two-tier sort of recruitment approach here, it’s simple, will you work hard for your teammates? Are you locked into the way we want to play? Do you want to be here? If the answer to those is yes you fit us. Katie is a young player who will want to drive those standards and have a better season for her teammates and for herself.”
HUFC are pleased to present the ‘Elvis Show’ with live music & entertainment provided by the fabulous Trevor Dodson with Richie Lee. You can also enjoy playing the Las Vegas style Casino tables.
Your entry ticket entitles you to 10 free chips for you to start playing at the tables and extra chips available to buy on the evening. At the end of the evening the 3 highest chip stacks will receive cash prizes
Hastings United Sports & Social Club
Elphinstone Road
Doors & Pay Bar open at 7pm
Tables open at 8:00pm
Carriages Midnight
Our Sponsors
