Now let's go on another run, urges United boss

The U’s had scored 17 goals in winning their three matches immediately prior to a 3-2 loss away to Walton Casuals - a game in which United led at half time.

United manager Hare said: “It’s how we respond. That was six unbeaten if you take the Margate extra-time (defeat) out of the equation and we need to go on another run of four or five wins.

“They (Walton) are not a bad team and it’s no shame to lose up there, but the manner in which we lost was the disappointing thing.

“We committed suicide I think a little bit. I thought we were so comfortable first half, good (value) for our 1-0 lead, but possibly needed to score another goal with the threat and pace they’ve got, and it proved the case.

“Lenny (Pidgeley, United’s goalkeeper) held his hand up and thinks he could’ve done better with the goals, the first two especially.

“Our midfield went missing and when we went 2-1 down we looked very tired. We didn’t look like we were ever going to get back in the game.

“I’ve not been able to fault the players at all for their effort and application, but we just looked a little bit like we were hoping the final whistle was going to go.”

Three of United’s next four fixtures are in the various knockout competitions, starting with an FA Trophy first round qualifying tie at home to Aylesbury United today (Saturday). Kick-off at The Pilot Field is 3pm.

“Saturday gives us an opportunity to go back to playing without any fear of failure because it’s a cup match,” continued Hare. “We can go and enjoy ourselves and hopefully get our confidence back for the league campaign.”

United are 12th in Ryman Football League Division One South with 21 points from 12 games. Aylesbury are eighth in Southern Football League Division One Central, which is the equivalent of Ryman Division One South, with 23 points from 13 games.

On the injury front, Simon Johnson is likely to be given a bit longer to rest his ongoing heel problem in the hope of resolving the issue and Stephen Butcher is set to miss around a fortnight with a hamstring twinge.

Hare confirmed that Reece Butler is taking a break from football, although the club will retain his registration.

The United boss added that he is still looking to strengthen his squad, saying ‘there’s a couple I’m after’.

TODAY'S FOOTBALL FIXTURES

FA TROPHY

1st round qualifying (3pm)

Hastings United v Aylesbury United

MACRON STORE SOUTHERN COMBINATION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Division 1 (3pm)

Bexhill United v Mile Oak

East Preston v Little Common

Division 2 (3pm)

Westfield v Clymping

MACRON EAST SUSSEX FOOTBALL LEAGUE (3pm)

Division 1

Little Common II v Rye Town

The JC Tackleway v Icklesham Casuals

Division 3

Hollington United II v Battle Baptists II

Division 4

West Hill United v Sovereign Saints

Division 5

Robertsbridge United II v West Hill United II

ESFL PREMIER TRAVEL CHALLENGE CUP

2nd round (2.30pm)

Battle Baptists v Crowhurst

Bexhill Town v Hollington United

Hawkhurst United v Rock-a-Nore

Mountfield United v Northiam 75

Old Hastonians v Westfield II

Ore Athletic v Sedlescombe Rangers

Sidley United v St Leonards Social

Wadhurst United v Eastbourne Rangers

ESFL WISDENS SPORTS CHALLENGE CUP

2nd round (2.30pm)

Bexhill AAC v Hailsham Athletico

Bexhill Rovers v Peche Hill Select

Catsfield v Mayfield

Eastbourne Athletic v Pebsham Sibex

Hastings Rangers v Sedlescombe Rangers II

Orington v Punnetts Town

St Leonards Social II v Westfield III

Ticehurst v Bexhill United II

ESFL CHAIRMAN’S CHALLENGE CUP

2nd round (2.30pm)

Battle Baptists III v Icklesham Casuals II

Bexhill AAC II v Hawkhurst United II

Cranbrook Town v Victoria Baptists

Magham Down v Bexhill Broncos

Northiam 75 II v Hampden Park

Parkfield v Mayfield II

Sedlescombe Rangers III v Sandhurst

Wittersham II v The JC Tackleway II