Tough tests for unbeaten United

Tony Dolby's side visit Aveley today (Saturday) before welcoming leaders and pre-season title favourites Sutton United to The Pilot Field on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Hastings struggled against both teams last season and all they had to show from the four fixtures was a solitary point, the result of a 2-2 draw away to Sutton. "They proved to be a little bit of a nemesis last season so we will be looking to put that right," said Dolby.

Hastings have also made an encouraging start and sit fifth after managing two wins and two draws, leading Dolby to state: "If you average two points a game then that's got to bring success. Eight points from four games is a lot better than last year when we didn't end up doing too badly."

The U's will again be without Sean Ray on National Non-League Football Day as the captain and central defender completes a seven-day ban carried over from last season for being sent from the bench twice while managing the reserves and youth team.

"They banned him from all football which I find astonishing," said Dolby. "I can't believe the Sussex FA has done something like that to us when it's nothing to do with the Hastings first team."

Rhys Whyborne is set to continue as Ray's deputy or possibly Nathan Russell who has dual-registered with Sussex County League Sidley United and played in midweek against Crowborough Athletic. Midfielder Michael Phillips (groin) is a doubt after lasting barely a quarter-of-an-hour in the Bank Holiday Monday draw against Cray Wanderers.

THIS WEEKEND'S SENIOR FOOTBALL FIXTURES - TODAY (SATURDAY):

Ryman League, Premier Division: Aveley v HASTINGS UNITED 3.

FA Vase, 1st round qualifying: Cobham v RYE UNITED 3.

Sussex County League, Division 2: LITTLE COMMON v Southwick 3; Midhurst & Easebourne v BEXHILL UNITED.

TOMORROW (SUNDAY):

FA Vase, 1st round qualifying: SIDLEY UNITED v Corinthian at Hailsham Town FC 3.