U’s need to focus on league

Hastings United must try to put the FA Cup to the back of their minds over the next few weeks.

That’s the view of United player-manager Sean Ray with six more fixtures scheduled before the FA Cup second round tie away to Harrogate Town on Saturday December 1.

The next three of those are in the Ryman League Premier Division, starting with a trip to Metropolitan Police today (Saturday) and a home game against Bognor Regis Town on Tuesday night.

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Ray said: “It’s hard not to think about it, but I’ve got to make sure the FA Cup goes to the back of my mind. At the front of my mind now is the next six games, keeping this run going and keeping this character going. My target is to stay unbeaten.”

Ray made four changes to his starting XI against Enfield Town in midweek and plans to keep rotating his squad. “They’re all going to get their chance between now and December,” he continued. “We’ve got to make sure we keep them as fresh as we can.

“The chairman spoke to me after the game on Saturday and he said maybe we could start identifying some targets to go for, but I’ve got a 16-man squad and I’m happy with it. I don’t need to add to it and we’ve got some good youngsters coming through.”

TODAY’S SENIOR FOOTBALL FIXTURES (3PM UNLESS STATED)

Ryman League, Premier Division: Metropolitan Police v Hastings United.

Sussex County League, Division 1: Rye United v Lancing; Selsey v Sidley United.

Division 2: Bexhill United v Mile Oak; Southwick v Little Common; Westfield v Broadbridge Heath 2.