Had my parents visiting so today we all headed down to the cost on a relatively warm and bright January day, to watch the Isthmian Premier Division fixture between Hastings United and Hashtag United.

The Pilot Field is a classic and atmospheric old ground. It has a huge grandstand, club house, covered standing and decent shop and refreshment provision. The ground is sited on the edge of Hastings and is always a favourite of ground hoppers on the non league circuit. The ground has an official capacity of 4050, with seating for 800 and was opened on 8th November 1922 with a match between Hastings and a Queens Park Rangers XI. The ground gets its name from its previous agriculture use (recorded as far back as 1560) as a field for growing pilled oats.

Hastings United are managed by Chris Agutter who took over the role in October 2023, after an indifferent start to the season saw Paul Barnes lose his job. Agutter has lifted his side’s fortunes so that they currently sit in sixth place, just on the edge of the play off positions. Goals this season for Hastings have come primarily from Davide Rodari (22 goals) with support from Femi Akinwande (8 goals) and Kian Moynes (4 goals).

Hashtag United came into today’s fixture in tenth place, needing to put a run together to lift themselves into the mix for a promotion place. Their goals have come from Misha Djemaili and Alex Teniola (both with 8 goals), supported by Luke May-Parrot (7 goals). Manager Jay Devereux will have seen his side’s recent run of form as a positive and will have taken Hashtag into today’s game full of expectation.

The game burst into life in the first minute when Davide Rodari fired home from the left hand side of the Hashtag United penalty area to put Hastings ahead.

In the 23rd minute Hastings United’s John Ufuah broke free and calmly fired past Strizovic in the Hashtag goal to put the home side 2-0 ahead, reflecting the possession Hastings had enjoyed in the previous 15 minutes.

The remainder of the half was played out at a much more genteel pace. Hastings United saw chances for John Ufuah prove fruitless, while Hashtag United’s Hassan was a consistent threat, on the break. At the break the teams went in with Hastings United leading 2-0.

An even opening to the second half was punctuated in the 64th minute when Hashtag United’s captain, Harry Haysom, was sent off after receiving a second yellow for a reckless challenge.

Hastings United continued their drive towards securing all three points and while they definitely played out the rest of the half within themselves, they made sure they left very little to chance. Penfold and Dixon controlled possession in midfield and the crowd enjoyed a consistent and secure second half performance.

At full time Hastings United’s fans and players celebrated a fine win, sending the majority of the huge crowd of 2547 people home happy. For Hashtag United’s players there was the consolation that they weren’t outclassed but they know they will have to find more threat in attack, to worry defences away from home.