FOOTBALL: Relegation Nerves at the Pilot Field
14 March: Hastings Utd 0, Margate 1
21 March: Sevenoaks Town 2, Hastings Utd 0
HUGH SULLIVAN
After back-to-back wins had seemed to lift Hastings United out of relegation trouble in the Isthmian League’s South-East Division, a pair of defeats over the past fortnight has pitched them back in it.
At home to Margate on 14 March, the ‘U’s arguably had the better of the game, but conceded a goal on the break 20 minutes from time, which manager David Altendorff felt was poorly defended (as well as “clearly offside”). Chances to equalise were not taken.
A week later, they fought another close match away at Sevenoaks, going down this time to two goals scored in the last quarter. It’s the story of their season: they seem to need a first half lead if they’re to come out on top.
League results over the next ten days are now critical. Tomorrow (Saturday), the visitors to the Pilot Field, VCD Athletic, are among the bottom three teams looking odds-on to be relegated. On Good Friday, 3 April, United travel to Hassocks, who are fifth from bottom, one place above the drop zone.
Two victories against these fellow strugglers, and United may consider themselves relatively safe. Anything less, and nerves will remain frazzled. The side currently in the fourth relegation spot is Erith Town, but they have two home games this week, including one against already doomed East Grinstead Town; then another on Easter Monday against second bottom Beckenham Town, while the ‘U’s host near-neighbours Ashford United.
Off the field, the club has confirmed that its academic partnership with East Sussex College, in operation since 2017, has been extended until July 2027. The club offers young footballers, both male and female, elite-level coaching and competitive match experience at under-19 level or above.
As education partner, the College delivers an academic curriculum, student support and pastoral care so that they can at the same time pursue accredited academic qualifications. The aim is to balance sporting ambitions with strong educational foundations.
Over the past nine years, numerous students have progressed both on and off the pitch, several advancing to professional clubs as players and/or coaches. Community outreach initiatives, work experience placements and special events have brought both club and college closer to the local community.
Neither party has mentioned the unthinkable – the possibility of another relegation next month that would tip the club out of the Isthmian League into a lower tier of football. It can’t happen. Or could it?
ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST DIVISION (bottom six as at 22 March 2026)
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | |
| Hastings United | 36 | 11 | 6 | 19 | 47 | 60 | -13 | 39 |
| Hassocks | 36 | 9 | 8 | 19 | 46 | 66 | -20 | 35 |
| Erith Town | 35 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 50 | 72 | -22 | 34 |
| VCD Athletic | 36 | 7 | 8 | 21 | 52 | 86 | -34 | 29 |
| Beckenham Town | 35 | 6 | 10 | 19 | 47 | 79 | -32 | 28 |
| East Grinstead Town | 36 | 1 | 3 | 32 | 26 | 136 | -110 | 6 |
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