Pilot project: Fans can watch Hastings United tomorrow - for first time since March

Action-starved Hastings United fans make their long-awaited return to The Pilot Field tomorrow (Sat) to see how the club’s promotion project is coming on.
Ben Pope fires goalwards in Hastings' friendly draw at Eastbourne Town / Picture: Scott WhiteBen Pope fires goalwards in Hastings' friendly draw at Eastbourne Town / Picture: Scott White
Ben Pope fires goalwards in Hastings' friendly draw at Eastbourne Town / Picture: Scott White

A crowd of 200 will be there to see Chris Agutter’s team host Folkestone in their latest friendly – the first one at which supporters have been allowed.

It follows the midweek announcement that fans are allowed again at step three and below of the non-league game. That followed pressure on the government and FA from leagues, clubs and fans to close the loophole that meant people could go to many indoor venues but could not dot themselves around the permiter of non-league pitches.

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Agutter said it would be great to see the fans back. He told us: “Common sense has prevailed.

“The whole situation with fans still being banned when 3,000 people were going to Brighton beach was ridiculous.

“Well-played to the non-league community for putting the pressure on and bringing this about.”

From Saturday to August 30, clubs at step four – Hastings’ level – will be allowed a maximum of 200 fans at their games.

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From August 31, provided things have gone smoothly, that increases to 400.

It’s a huge relief to United and to all non-league clubs that the competitive season will not have to start behind closed doors – something many said was simply not viable.

Those who are at The Pilot Field tomorrow will be able to judge the progress being made by Agutter and his team as they set out to right the wrongs of last season and win promotion from the Isthmian south-east to the premier division.

Agutter said pre-season had been disrupted by as many as eight or nine players picking up injuries – none serious – which had stopped him putting out a full-strength XI.

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“The boys have been working hard, maybe too hard in places, and that could account for the injuries after the long lay-off,” he said.

“We’ve had a good mix of games and have another four friendlies to come, with trips to Littlehampton, Glebe and Maldon & Tiptree after Saturday.

“The squad is looking good, but we may yet lose a player to a National League club, possibly two. Other additions are still possible.”