Attwood: I’d just gone down with cramp

The big number 10 booked United’s place in the second round proper for the first time ever by mopping up the rebound after Bradley Goldberg’s 88th minute shot had been parried.

Attwood said afterwards: “It feels fantastic. I think the lads deserved it and to cap it off with a goal at the end was fantastic.

“I’d just gone down with cramp. It was a great shot from Bradley, but I’m pleased the ‘keeper’s parried it and it fell nicely for me.”

The 23-year-old is just over a year into his second spell with United. He was the club’s leading scorer last season and has now netted four this term.

“I fancied us,” he added. “They (Stortford) are in the league above, but they’re not doing too great and on our day we can beat most teams at our sort of level.”

Hastings United’s clubhouse at The Pilot Field will be open from 12noon today for live television coverage of the Braintree Town versus Tranmere Rovers match followed by the second round draw at around 2.40pm.