Hastings United vs Folkestone Invicta (a preview for this pre-season friendly)
On Saturday 22 nd August, after what seems like an eon, the Pilot Field will once more have a game of football to witness. The pitch looks in great shape and the weather is set fair as the ‘U’s heartily welcome Folkestone Invicta (@FIFC) for a pre-season friendly.
Although attendance is being limited, this is a step in the right direction and one we’ve been waiting and campaigning for.
IMPORTANT: Attendance is strictly by ticket only and numbers are limited as per government guidelines.
Our visitors from Kent play in the Isthmian Premier Division. When last season was abandoned, they sat in the play-off positions, a healthy fourth place, and had just reached the Velocity Trophy semi-final. Invicta’s pre-season is underway, and they have beaten Cray Valley (2-1) and Faversham (3-1) in their last two games.
Of course, the curtailing of last season meant United suffered their own disappointment. Three points clear at the top with two games in hand over our nearest rivals, we were odds-on for the championship and promotion. Now we look forward to starting and finishing the task this time around.
In preparation, United’s pre-season began on the 1 st August and there is a summary of our results below. Before that, let’s mention and welcome some new faces who have joined the ‘U’s for the forthcoming campaign; Aaron Capon, Lloyd Dawes, Marcus Goldsmith and Jack Steventon. Names to watch out for!
And so, as we look ahead to Saturday, herewith aquick recap of United’s pre-season games to date, all of which have been played away from the Pilot Field.
Westfield FC 0, Hastings United 8
Pre-season starts with a bang; a Daniel Ajakaiye hat-trick and a Ben Pope double amongst the scorers.
Eastbourne United 1, Hastings United 2
Jack Dixon hits the winner with fifteen minutes remaining. Grays Athletic 0, Hastings United 3 Captain Sam Adams with a pair including a superb 35-yard lob over the keeper.
Newhaven 1, Hastings United 0
Not what the doctor ordered, or maybe it was! CEO Billy Wood called it, ‘a little kick up the backside’.
Alresford Town 0, Hastings United 4
Ben Pope plunders a hat-trick as United kick back into gear.
Eastbourne Town 0, Hastings United 0
The crossbar is still shaking from Kenny Pogue’s header, the closest to breaking the deadlock.
Played: 6
Won: 4
Draw: 1
Lost: 1
Goals for: 17
Goals against: 2
On Saturday, you can follow live updates via Twitter: @hastingsufc
Bob Quinn
Twitter: @BobJQuinn