United must adopt right approach against bottom club

Darren Hare says his Hastings United players must go about their business in '˜the right manner' against bottom-of-the-table opposition.

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Callum Emptage keeps a close eye on an opponent during Hastings United's 5-1 win at home to Molesey last weekend. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteCallum Emptage keeps a close eye on an opponent during Hastings United's 5-1 win at home to Molesey last weekend. Picture courtesy Scott White
Callum Emptage keeps a close eye on an opponent during Hastings United's 5-1 win at home to Molesey last weekend. Picture courtesy Scott White

Play-off chasing United will travel to already relegated Godalming Town in Ryman Football League Division One South today (Saturday).

United manager Hare said: “That’s going to be a tough game, every game’s going to be tough because the pressure’s starting to mount.

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People will look at the league positions and think that’s a straightforward win, but we’ve got to go about the job in the right manner, have a professional approach and attitude, and hopefully come away with a win.

“I would take a scrappy 1-0 win now. At the moment I’m not bothered about performances; it’s all about points.”

Sixth-placed United are one position and one point outside the play-off spots, albeit with a game in hand on all of the teams around them.

Hare believes 12 points from their last six matches, which would give United a total for the season of 85, should be enough to make the all-important top five.

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“I would like to think 12 points (would be enough), but you just don’t know,” he added. “I do think 12 is realistic for sure and I do think 85 will do it.

Matt Bodkin slides in to a tackle against Molesey. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteMatt Bodkin slides in to a tackle against Molesey. Picture courtesy Scott White
Matt Bodkin slides in to a tackle against Molesey. Picture courtesy Scott White

“If we can get a result Saturday and then get a decent result against Cray (Wanderers, who United will visit on Sunday April 9), which is not going to be easy, that’s six points and then you start to think about trying to cement your place.

“I know it’s a cliche, but you’ve got to take each game as it comes. And at this time of year you just don’t know.”

United are hoping Bradley Stevenson will return after injury and Hare says he might have one or two new additions as well.

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United are running a coach to Godalming, leaving The Pilot Field at 10.45am.

Harry Stannard tries to take on a Molesey opponent. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteHarry Stannard tries to take on a Molesey opponent. Picture courtesy Scott White
Harry Stannard tries to take on a Molesey opponent. Picture courtesy Scott White

The cost is £20 for adults, with a £5 discount for supporters’ club members, and £8 for under-18s. Email [email protected] or call/text 07970 332270.

Remaining fixtures: April 1 Godalming Town (a), April 9 Cray Wanderers (a), April 12 South Park (a), April 15 Walton Casuals (h), April 17 Lewes (a), April 22 Chipstead (h).

Ryman Division One South top half (played 41 matches unless stated): 1 Tooting & Mitcham United 95pts (+63 goal difference), 2 Dorking Wanderers 92 (+53), 3 Greenwich Borough 82 (+38), 4 Corinthian-Casuals 78 (+26), 5 Carshalton Athletic 74 (+36), 6 HASTINGS UNITED (40) 73 (+58), 7 Lewes 73 (+15), 8 Hythe Town 71 (+22), 9 Faversham Town 66 (+29), 10 Cray Wanderers 63 (+3), 11 South Park (38) 61 (+12), 12 Walton Casuals 60 (+2).

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See our comprehensive sports coverage in the Observer every Friday.

Matt Bodkin slides in to a tackle against Molesey. Picture courtesy Scott WhiteMatt Bodkin slides in to a tackle against Molesey. Picture courtesy Scott White
Matt Bodkin slides in to a tackle against Molesey. Picture courtesy Scott White

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