At the end of another wet summer week, Thursday brought a cool, dry evening and a friendly fixture between Westfield FC (Sussex) and Hastings United of the Isthmian Premier League.

Hastings United, managed by Paul Barnes, ex of Dulwich Hamlet, Welling and Margate, have built steadily over the summer as they attempted to move forward after finishing eighth in the Isthmian Premier League in 2022-23. Davide Rodari, striker was signed from Crawley Town, returning to the Pilot Field after a six year window. Bailey Lankhurst, left back, was also signed permanently from Gillingham, after a loan spell last season. Femi Akinwande, winger, was also signed from Carshalton Athletic. For this fixture the side was due to be drawn from the Under 23 squad.

Westfield FC play at Parish Field, a common land pitch, with a decent grass surface, a clubhouse and decent parking. The club has finally secured permission to build their own ground, at Westfield Downs and the first earth has been moved in this project. One of the owners of the club is Nottingham Forest player, Steve Cook. Westfield FC play in the Mid- Sussex league, Premier Division and are managed by Mark Stapely.

The first half saw both teams share an equal amount of the ball. Hastings United looked sharper in the final third and Westfield FC regained the ball better. After 40 minutes the honours were pretty evenly shared and the game remained goalless.

The equilibrium changed when WestfieldFC went ahead with a fine goal on 44 minutes. A near post header, from a corner, was volleyed home in spectacular style, to leave the Hastings United goal keeper helpless.

At half time the teams went in with the score Westfield FC 1 Hastings United 0.

The second half continued to be an even affair. In the 65th minute from nowhere a needless foul in the Westfield area, led to a penalty award. The ball was despatched comfortably to level the scores at 1-1, bringing Hastings United level.

A minute later, Hastings United were 1-2 ahead with a fine half volley from just inside the area, which the Westfield FC keeper had no answer for.

Despite chances for both sides the score remained 1-2 to Hastings United as the full time whistle blew on an entertaining match. The Westfield FC players had just run out of steam in the final twenty minutes but this was a positive performance for both teams.