FOOTBALL: Cup Defeats Leave United Women in League Struggle
JON SMALLDON
Last week saw Hastings United Women exit their final two cup competitions of the season, leaving them to concentrate on the league. However, in that league, they sit one place above relegation with just one win – achieved almost six months ago–from their nine league games. If it’s always darkest before the dawn, then the ‘U’s must be in for a very bright sunrise indeed.
United Women Team Huddle at the Pilot Field
The team’s fourth season at Tier 6 level in the London & Southeast Regional League Division One South started with optimism. Under new manager, Jason Tibble, there was a return of some former players, a seemingly solid core of retained existing players, and a nice flow of youngsters developed in the Academy programmes joining the senior squad. After a positive pre-season on the field, Hastings won their first game, beating the Soccer Elite Football Academy (SEFA) 3-0 away on 18 August.
However, with continual player turnover, and poor weather causing lengthy gaps between matches, the ‘U’s have found it difficult to sustain performance levels, and the season has mostly been one of frustration. Their eight completed league games since August have resulted in three draws and five losses. Most of those losses have been close–only one by more than a goal – and, with only one team to be relegated at the season’s end, they are clearly better placed than bottom-of-the table Three Bridges.
The Cup games last week followed a familiar pattern. In the League Trophy, at home to SEFA, they were on top for long periods, especially early on, but could not find the net. They eventually lost 2-0 in extra time. Then, midweek, in the Eastbourne Chairman’s Cup, away to higher-ranked Newhaven, they made another good start but failed to score, and were eventually left chasing the game in a 3-1 loss.
There are, nevertheless, reasons to be cheerful. Even with long term absences to key players such as Rebecca Relf and Tiana Tapp, there’s been the return of captain Lauren Skinner-Swain, regular appearances by veterans Victoria Phillips and Rosie Muggeridge, and the advent of exciting younger talents such as Freya Hollister and Jess Wright. Hastings certainly have a more than fighting chance of both staying up this year and kicking on next season.
Hastings were due to play away at Aylesford last Sunday and at Bognor Regis on 16 February before they return to the Pilot Field on the 23rd.
Kick off is at 2pm and admission is free. Keep your eye on social media for any fixture updates – and do come along and show your support.
Further Women’s Football News: Westfield FC have announced plans for a women’s football team to begin playing next season. Further details, including trial dates, will be announced shortly.
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