Harefield United vs Hastings United – FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round – Preview
Following two league games Hastings United are back on the FA Cup trail with another away trip, this time to Harefield United located in the London Borough of Hillingdon. You may get a glimpse of Wembley Stadium, the competitions final destination, if you are travelling to the game.
United’s form – DWLW
An ‘L’ in the form column? Well let’s put Saturday’s defeat to Ramsgate into perspective. While Ashford United managed the league double over the ‘U’s in the 2019/20 season, no other team has taken all three points for quite a while. Three losses in 38 games is less than 8%, and that’s some achievement given United are a big target. Plus we need to recognise Ramsgate put in a decent shift, especially in the first-half.
Those who watched both games will have witnessed a far more intense United performance on Monday. Of course we faced different opponents but Whitehawk did not make it easy. After a goalless opening 45 minutes, Sam Hasler broke the deadlock when exploiting a flaw in the Whitehawk defence. The game was sealed in added time through striker Ben Pope’s first goal of the season.
Who are Harefield United and what’s their form? WDDWLL
Harefield are the oldest club in Middlesex, founded in 1868. Their nickname is The Hares, and they play their games at Preston Park which has a capacity of 1,200 with 150 seats. They are members of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division, which is at Step 5.
The Hares began their season on 7th August with a 2 – 1 win away to Chipping Sodbury Town in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round. Their league season began the following Tuesday with a 1 – 1 home draw followed on the Saturday by a 2 – 2 away draw. Next was an impressive 2 – 1 home victory against Step 4 Binfield in the FA Cup Preliminary Round. This game may have taken something out of them as they’ve suffered back-to-back league defeats at home in the last two weeks.
Harefield have gone one better than last year’s FA Cup when they only reached the Preliminary Road and were beaten at home by Leighton Town.
Any recent previous meetings?
As per the Beckenham Town game, there’s no information of any previous meetings between these two United’s.
Bottom line
As it’s a cup game the old adage ‘anything can happen’ comes into play but the ‘U’s will be looking to at least match last year’s FA Cup journey and reach the 2nd Qualifying Round. Plus there’s money to be won as well as a place in the next round, £2,250 for the winners and £750 for the losers. If the match is drawn after 90 minutes, there will be a replay.
Match information
Saturday 4th September, 3pm kick off at Preston Park, Breakspear Road North, Harefield, Middlesex UB9 6NE.
£6 Adults, £3 Concessions, Under 16s free (cash or card at the turnstile).
Can’t attend? You can follow live game updates via Twitter: @hastingsufc
Bob Quinn
Twitter: @BobJQuinn