Hastings United vs VCD Athletic – League Preview
On Saturday 1st February it is the turn of VCD Athletic to visit the Pilot Field for a league game. After
draws in their last two games, United will be seeking a return to winning ways and another three
points to solidify their position at the top of the table.
Form and status
United have bounced back from their sole league defeat of the season which arrived after a fifteen-
game unbeaten run, and from the start of the year they have set about constructing another such
run. The ‘U’s have won four and drawn two of their last six games, putting them in 3rd place in the
form guide.
After winning four games on the bounce, which is their best sequence of the season, the two draws
which followed are the first time United have not won at least once in successive games.
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VCD Athletic sit in 13th position in the league and have lost their last three games without scoring a
goal. Cray Valley put them to the sword on Tuesday night with a convincing 5 – 0 win.
In their last six games VCD have won two and lost four which puts them in 16th place in the form
guide.
And their away form is somewhat hit and miss. They have won five of their twelve games including
an impressive 4 – 1 win at Ashford United but they have also lost six times on the road.
Recent meetings
The corresponding fixture back in September took place when both sides had played just six games
of the season. United were top of the league and VCD were in 3rd place. A small crowd of 130
watched the teams play out a scoreless draw.
Bottom line
United’s 100% home league record ended at the eleventh hurdle following their 0 – 0 draw against
Herne Bay on Tuesday night. They remain unbeaten at home though and this is an immediate
opportunity to kick-off another run of home wins.
For VCD, their contrasting away results suggest it’s as random as the toss of a coin, heads they win –
tails they lose. Or vice-versa. We shall know how the coin landed come Saturday evening.
Match information
The game kicks off at 3pm, the Pilot Field (Elphinstone Road, TN34 2AX)
Admission is £10 for adults, £6 for concessions with Under-16’s free (as normal)
Bob Quinn
Twitter: @BobJQuinn