U’s seek return to form

Hastings United will be desperate to end a run of three defeats in four games when they host Chipstead tonight

The U’s have lost three of their last four Ryman Football League Division One South games and sorely need to put an end to that sequence against a Chipstead side lying three-quarters of the way down the table.

United currently occupy fifth place - the last play-off spot - and are seven points clear of the teams behind them, but will be eager to get Saturday’s disappointing 2-0 loss at Walton & Hersham swiftly out of the system.

They do possess a good home record, though, and if they do manage to secure a 13th league victory at The Pilot Field in 18 outings this season tonight, they will move above Folkestone Invicta into fourth.

Chipstead have lost their last two games, the latest of which was a narrow 2-1 defeat at leaders Peacehaven & Telscombe on Saturday, having won their previous four. United were 1-0 winners in the reverse fixture on the opening day when Matt Maclean scored the only goal.

The match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch last Monday night, but there will be no such problems this time around following a week of lovely spring weather. Kick-off is 7.45pm.