‘Absolutely huge’ Easter weekend for United

Players surround the referee during Hastings United's 1-1 draw away to Tooting & Mitcham United last weekend. Picture courtesy Joe Knight

The U’s will continue their battle for Ryman Football League Division One South survival with a visit from Herne Bay this afternoon (Saturday) before travelling to fellow strugglers Ramsgate on Monday.

“It’s absolutely huge,” said Kane, whose side is one place and one point above the three relegation spots. “There’s only five games left and two of them fall on this weekend.”

Kane believes two more wins will keep United up and wants to go unbeaten for the remainder of the campaign.

“We’ve got to try and pick up points in every game, and I think we’re capable of that,” continued Kane. “I still think we need two wins. As far as I’m concerned, 46 points would definitely secure safety.

“Every point is vital between now and the end of the season. The big advantage that we have is the goal difference, which is almost worth another point.”

United beat both their Easter opponents in the reverse fixtures, and have won all three meetings with Herne Bay since the start of last season without conceding. Bay are undefeated away from home, however, since Boxing Day.

Elsewhere today, Little Common will host Haywards Heath Town in Macron Store Sussex County Football League Division Two, but Bexhill United and Westfield are fixtureless.

TODAY’S FOOTBALL FIXTURES

(Kick-off 3pm unless stated)

Ryman League, Division 1 South: Hastings Utd v Herne Bay.

Macron Store Sussex County League, Division 2: Little Common v Haywards Heath Town.

Reserve Section (East): AFC Uckfield Town v Bexhill Utd; Lancing v Little Common.

Hastings & District FA Intermediate Cup semi-final (2.30): Westfield II v Iden.

Macron East Sussex League, Premier Division: Ninfield Utd v Hollington Utd.

Division 1: Bexhill AAC v Hawkhurst Utd; Ticehurst v Sidley Utd 1.30; Wadhurst Utd v Hollington Utd II.

Division 2: Herstmonceux v Pebsham Sibex 1.30; Old Hastonians v Catsfield; JC Tackleway v Crowhurst 1.30; Wittersham v Eastbourne Rangers.

Division 3: AFC Hastings v Visick; Herstmonceux II v Eastbourne Athletic; Hooe Sports v Peche Hill Select II.

Division 4: Burwash v Little Common III; Westfield III v Peasmarsh Utd.

Division 5: AFC St Leonards v Victoria Baptists; Battle Baptists II v Hailsham Athletico 1.30; Magham Down v Parkfield; Mayfield v Wittersham II; JC Tackleway II v Sedlescombe Rangers II 3.3O; Ticehurst II v Grasshoppers Old Boys 3.30.

Division 6: Battle Baptists III v Icklesham Casuals II 3.30; Hawkhurst Utd II v FC Westridge; Sandhurst II v Orington.