Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 26-27: Hastings United

We asked supporters of our Pitching In Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-22 will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off. Hastings United are up next, courtesy of Tom Dyson-Laurie.

Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?

First half of the season:

Winning 3-0 away against Margate around Christmas. We took a good number of supporters to the game who were in good spirits and played some excellent football that day. Margate were also sitting around the play offs whilst we were not in the same position as them then. 

Second half of the season:

Two options. Beating VCD Athletic 1-0 at The Pilot Field. For both sides in need of points at the bottom foot of the ISE, no-one other than the general (Eugene Asike) delivered late on to score the only important goal that day!

The other game was Broadbridge Heath away and we took a coach of supporters to it. Hearing the fans singing over the speaker whilst the Broadbridge Heath PA announcer was trying to talk really bought out the 12th man. Not only that but the buzz at the end of the game after winning 2-4 was something else.

And what was the worst moment?

Back to my two season halves - first half of the season:

Faversham away in the FA Cup at the start of the season where we thought we had won the game through a Fin Chapman free kick only for Charlie Paye to suddenly score an inexplicable own goal 30 seconds later straight from kick off. We lost out in the replay but how unfortunate we were not to have come away with victory.

Second half of the season:

Hassocks away. Another big game with both sides clinging on for points and after getting back level and having two penalty appeals ignored, losing via a 97th minute penalty at the very end was gut wrenching.

Which member of your squad was your Player of the Season - and why?

Before departing - Harley Earle. A fantastic goalkeeper who despite his age felt like he had been around the club for ages. He gave everything in a Hastings shirt and had a very positive attitude.

A tough choice on my second player as after that it would be between either Sam Pidgeon or Eugene Asike, however I am going to go with the latter. A robust defender who is vastly experienced and on a good day, isn’t afraid of coming up with a goal when it matters most or lifting up the fans spirits. 

Moving on to your current squad - which players do you think will make a big impact during the 26/27 campaign?

Having Tom Chalmers back in the team is fabulous. Not only has he come through the Hastings United Academy and played for the first team, but he was on the sidelines for a good 2-3 years before coming back. Tom is also now club captain which is superb and is doing very well in his new role already. 

As for new players, from what I have seen in pre-season so far, I think that Archie Cassidy has the potential to become a strong player for us, forming a strong partnership in defence whoever plays alongside him. 

Having former player Ollie Black back will also be key for the season ahead.

Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

If we keep the squad numbers to a consistent level and hit the ground running early on, I want to say we can finish around the top 10. Adding to that, we used more than sixty players last season and it’s something we do not want to happen again for a second season running - especially when there was so much movement going on. This season will also be tougher than last. 

If you could choose a song for your side to run our to, what would it be- and why?

Kid Kapichi - let’s get to work. To me, it just gives that much needed buzz and motivation.

From all the opposition players you watched last season, which one would you love to see in your side- and why?

Kieron Campbell at Faversham Town. 

Having played three times against Faversham last season - his movement on and off the ball is sharp and he always seems to pick out the right pocket of spaces each time to do something creative. 

What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

The Dripping Pan is very picturesque however outside of Sussex, one I do like is Carshalton Athletic as it is fairly spacious and has different flags opposite the main stand giving it some character. 

If you travelled away, which ground served the best food?

From memory, AFC Croydon Athletic did a very good chicken burger last year. 

Please predict your top five:

AFC Croydon Athletic

Faversham Town

Sevenoaks Town

Merstham

Sittingbourne 

Now, over to the rest of you! If you are reading this and you’d like to represent your club, please email Ian on [email protected] and he will get back to you as quickly as possible.