United boss still seeking to strengthen

Despite the instant impact made by his latest two signings, Hastings United Football Club manager Darren Hare says he still plans to add to his squad.
Kiernan Hughes-Mason celebrates after scoring his first Hastings United goal against Greenwich Borough on Tuesday night. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteKiernan Hughes-Mason celebrates after scoring his first Hastings United goal against Greenwich Borough on Tuesday night. Picture courtesy Scott White
Kiernan Hughes-Mason celebrates after scoring his first Hastings United goal against Greenwich Borough on Tuesday night. Picture courtesy Scott White

Jaydon Thorbourne and Kiernan Hughes-Mason joined in time for last weekend's 7-0 win at Chatham Town and also performed well in Tuesday night's 3-0 victory over Greenwich Borough.

Hare said: "Jaydon's very young, only 18, but he's settling in really well. He's got a lot of quality and you can see where he's come from because technically he's very proficient. He's just got to learn the game and from the experienced players around him, he will do that.

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"Kiernan's got quality, cleverness and pace, which is unusual to find in a player. I think he's going to be a massive player for us."

Hughes-Mason, a striker/winger, spent time at Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur as a youngster, and made his professional debut for Millwall at the age of 17.

The 25-year-old played for Cheltenham Town, Tooting & Mitcham United and Chelmsford City, Kettering Town and Grimsby Town before helping Welling United win promotion from Conference South in 2012/13.

Hughes-Mason was at Maidstone United in 2014 prior to scoring 31 goals in 112 outings for Leatherhead from 2014 until moving to Walton Casuals last month.

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Thorbourne spent four years with Arsenal’s academy, and regularly trained with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Thierry Henry. The left-back later had a spell at Crystal Palace, which included appearances for the under-21s.

Jaydon Thorbourne on the ball against Chatham Town on Saturday. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteJaydon Thorbourne on the ball against Chatham Town on Saturday. Picture courtesy Scott White
Jaydon Thorbourne on the ball against Chatham Town on Saturday. Picture courtesy Scott White

"I'm still looking to add one or two more," continued Hare. "We're going to pick injuries up at the tempo we play. I think everybody can see we've got a chance this season and the last thing we want to do is fall down because we've not got the strength in depth."

Steve Watt is out of the trip to Horsham tomorrow (Saturday) due to pain in his ankle and knee, and fellow defender Richard Davies is also battling a sore knee.

Stephen Butcher is still a couple of weeks from fitness and Sam Cole requires a scan to find out the extent of the damage to his knee.

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United are running coaches to their next two games, leaving The Pilot Field at 11.30am tomorrow and 4.30pm on Tuesday for the match away to Faversham Town.

Jaydon Thorbourne on the ball against Chatham Town on Saturday. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteJaydon Thorbourne on the ball against Chatham Town on Saturday. Picture courtesy Scott White
Jaydon Thorbourne on the ball against Chatham Town on Saturday. Picture courtesy Scott White

The cost of each trip is £20 for adults, with a £5 discount for supporters' club members, and £8 for all under-18s. To save a place, email [email protected] or call/text 07970 332270.

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