Hastings United have momentum - and DR7

Hastings moved up to second in the Isthmian south east division by beating Three Bridges 3-0 at The Pilot Field on Tuesday night.

But with games coming at a rate of two a week, Agutter knows there’s no time to sit back and admire the start they’ve made, instead needing to concentrate on making sure they don’t slip up in any of the tough-looking games to come.

United’s bid to emulate last season’s success and win promotion to the Isthmian premier continues with a visit to Sevenoaks on Saturday and a home Sussex derby with Whitehawk next Tuesday.

Their charge up the league has been boosted by the return of goal ace Davide Rodari - the man they call DR7 - after a long-term knee injury. He won a penalty and scored in the win over Three Bridges, his first league game back.

Agutter told the Observer: “We have good momentum and we’re playing well.

“Since the Ebbsfleet game we’ve changed the shape of the team by giving ourselves more width across the front three andit’s stretching opposition back-lines.

“We started the season with a couple of 0-0 draws, which was fine because we love a clean sheet, but I always felt the goals would come.

“We have adaptable, coachable players and they’re doing what we want them to.”

Two goals from Ben Pope and one from Rodari saw off Three Bridges on a night when United defender Ollie Black and two Three Bridges men were sent off.

Rodari’s goal was the talking point of the night and Agutter said: “He won our penalty then scored a typical Davide goal. Balls just seem to fall for him in the box. He could have scored twice when he came on against FC Romania at the weekend and could have had three against Three Bridges.

“He’s an outstanding footballer, so sharp, and Ben Pope’s great form means we don’t have to rush Davide into 90-minute appearances.”

Agutter expects stiff tests from Sevenoaks and Whitehawk but has no new injury problems. The Hawks’ visit is likely to see The Pilot Field’s third 400-strong sell-out in less than a fortnight and Agutter added: “The fans have been absolutely brilliant.”