Hastings United

Hastings United FC is a semi-professional non-league football club from the Sussex seaside town of the same name that was formed in 1893 as Rock-a-Nore FC, joining the East Sussex Football League in 1904 and playing home games at East Hill in Hastings Old Town.

Around the same time, another local club, St Leonards United, was playing in Division Two of the Southern League, playing at the new 'Sports Ground’ where Rock-a-Nore shared for a season before returning to East Hill.

Hastings & St Leonards FC had been formed back in 1890 as Hastings Athletic joined forces with United in 1906 before folding in 1910 because of mounting debts while competing in the professional Southern League. Meanwhile, Rock-a-Nore won the East Sussex League in 1907-08 before dropping back down to local football. 

The club became a founder member of the Sussex County League and moved to the Pilot Field for the 1920-21 season. Rock-a-Nore took advantage of the folding of the old club to change their name to Hastings & St Leonards FC in 1921. 

Ironically, another local team, Old Town United, changed its name to Rock-a-Nore once that mantle became vacant. After a couple of runners-up berths, Hastings moved to the Southern Amateur League in 1927, winning Division Two and promotion in their debut season before becoming league champions in 1934-35, 1935-36, 1936-37, and 1938-39.

Once peace was restored after World War II, the club was named Hastings Amateurs and lost their Pilot Field to a new professional club called Hastings United. The club had joined the Corinthian League but was forced to resign.

They regathered and played in the Hastings League before re-joining the East Sussex League for the 1950-51 season as Hastings & St Leonards. The club moved into a ground up the hill from the Pilot Field called The Firs, which would later become home to STAMCO in the 1980’s.

There seems to be some confusion regarding club histories around this period. For the record, the Hastings United side of the day played in the Southern League. They progressed to the FA Cup third round in 1953-54; eventually going out in a replay away to Norwich City after spanking Swindon Town at Pilot Field in the previous round.

United had further glamour FA Cup ties; reaching round three in 1954-55, going out at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday, and then in the second round the following season away to Northampton Town, with Jack Tresadern managing the team.

In 1956-57, a round one appearance ended at Portman Road to Ipswich Town; with other first round appearances in 1959-60 versus Notts County and in 1960-61 when Northampton ended the run once again, before the team were relegated to Division Two at the end of the 1960-61 campaign before winning promotion in 1962-63 under Ted Ballard.

They went back down to Division One, as the second tier had been re-named in 1964-65, and then won back a Premier Division place in 1966-67. The yo-yo nature of performances continued with a relegation just twelve months later.

By 1976-77, United won promotion to the Premier Division before the Southern League opted for North and South Divisions rather than one top league in 1979-80. In 1981-82, United finished as runners-up in the Southern Division.

The club was placed in the Premier Division once it was re-established in 1982-83, before it folded as continuing financial troubles became too much, even after the sale of the squash complex at the ground.

While all this was going on, Hastings & St Leonards continued plying their trade in the Sussex County League at The Firs, looking down on the shenanigans down the hill, with a Division Two runner-up place in 1959-60 the only standout performance.

In 1976, Hastings & St Leonards changed their title to Hastings Town before becoming champions of Division Two of 1979-80. Town tried to gain a place in the Premier Division in the Southern League following the closure of the ‘old’ United in 1985.

The league placed them in the Southern Division as the club negotiated a lease for the Pilot Field for the 1985-86 campaign. Former United boss Peter Sillett was made manager and bought several players with him from the defunct club, going on to win the division in 1991-92.

Local lottery winner Mark Gardiner, who had been involved with St Leonards Stamcroft, the later title of STAMCO, invested in Town, which helped manager Garry Wilson with his playing budget after the departure of Sillett.

Wilson was sacked after a disappointing start, with Dean White and Terry White arriving as joint managers. Gardiner pulled out his money as the club was threatened with closure. They resigned from the Southern League but were readmitted after a local consortium saved them.

Things settled down on and off the pitch. After two fifth-place finishes, Hastings won promotion from the Eastern Division with a title win in 2001-02. The club changed its name to Hastings United in time for the 2002-03 season, to add to the previous confusion.

The rejuvenated title seemed to work initially as the team reached the first round of the FA Cup, where they went out away to Stevenage Borough. However, a dip in form saw United relegated back to the Eastern Division at the end of the season.

A new chairman arrived and installed Steve Lovell. He led his side away from a narrow escape from relegation to the Sussex County League. Neville Southall took over as manager for a short spell as the inconsistency continued, with United being moved by the FA to the Isthmian League Division One.

Southall was replaced by Nigel Kane and Pat Brow,n who oversaw a dramatic turnaround from relegation struggle to a play-off place in 2006-07. Away wins to Dover Athletic and then Tooting & Mitcham United secured promotion to the Premier Division.

Kane had taken over the team affairs but departed soon into the 2007-08 season to be replaced by Tony Dolby, who lasted until the end of the season when reserve team boss John Lambert stepped up to the plate.

Remarkably, Dolby returned to replace Lambert by February 2009 to take the team to seventh place in 2009-10. The manager was dismissed, with Jason Hopkinson coming in shortly into the 2010-11 campaign. His spell was short-lived, with player-manager Sean Ray taking over the role.

In 2011-12, Ray’s side defeated Bishop’s Stortford and Harrogate Town in front of live Sky TV cameras in a replay at the Pilot Field to reach the third round of the FA Cup. ‘The Arrows’ were defeated 4-1 against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

The team struggled in the league and were relegated at the end of the season, with John Maggs replacing Ray in September 2013, but only lasted five months before being replaced by Terry White. The team reached the play-offs but were beaten in the semi-finals by Folkestone Invicta.

White resigned in October 2014, with Dominic di Paolo appointed in his place. Nigel Kane returned as manager in January 2015 before a new board was formed in the pre-season, which appointed Garry Wilson for a second stint as manager.

After a seventh-place finish in 2015-16, Darren Hare was given a two-year deal to lead the team. Former Football League players Lenny Pidgeley, Matt Bodkin, and Frannie Collin were signed. Collin banged in the goals but lost in the play-off semi-final to Dorking Wanderers.

Hare departed to be replaced by Adam Hinshelwood as cash was invested into the academy side and development squad. Hinshelwood was replaced by his assistant Chris Agutter within a few weeks. The new man took his charges to ninth place.

The 2018-19 season was much improved as United ended third following non-league restructuring, which saw the club placed in the South East Division, where they lost at home in the playoff semi-finals to Ashford United.

Following two abandoned seasons, United lifted their league title in 2021-22 to move up to the Premier Division after Agutter resigned before the season's midpoint mark to be replaced by Gary Elphick. The side fitted well into their new higher status, finishing eighth and then seventh following Agutter's return in October 2023.

Agutter moved to Worthing in May 2024 after the clubs agreed to a compensation package. Danny Bloor was appointed as the new boss before he was replaced by Danny Searle in December 2024. The season ended in relegation, with Searle departing before its end. Owner Dean White appointed himself interim manager before appointing Lee Carey in May 2025.

By October 2025, he had been replaced by David Altendorff.

Hastings United FC will play in the Isthmian League South East Division in the 2026-27 season.

My visits

Tuesday 12th December 2007

With a day off work, I headed to the Sussex coast to visit and photograph some non-league football venues and broaden my horizons, calling at previously unvisited towns. The cold but clear day was ideal for exercise despite my knee giving me a bit of grief.

I’d called into the grounds of Lewes, Eastbourne Town, Eastbourne United Association, Eastbourne Borough, and Bexhill United before arriving in Hastings. I decided to walk to the Pilot Field, which was much further than I anticipated, as well as being very much uphill.

First up, I entered The Firs next door for a look around, which can be read about here before entering United’s ground, where a gent was tending to the pitch. He was most amiable and friendly, telling me briefly of the convoluted history of the place.

The pitch was a fair way from the fence, as it hosted the meetings of the Hastings Saxons speedway team back in the day. A raised seated stand curved slightly at each end was the outstanding feature running nearly the full length of the pitch.

The far end had a small modern cover behind the goal. A large grass bank stood opposite the main stand, while the Elphinstone Road end had a substantial cover and terracing. It must have been some sight when a record attendance of 12,527, packed in, when Hastings United drew 3-3 against Norwich City 1953-54 FA Cup third round tie.

Once done taking it all in, I decided to take a bus back into town and walk past where the majestic and historic old Recreation Cricket Ground once stood, and to the prom. I wandered past the pier and onto St Leonards, where I caught the train back from Warrior Square to London.

Hastings United 2 Dorking Wanderers 1 (Saturday 27th July 2019) Pre-Season Friendly (att: 227)

It was the final day of my week's annual leave, and I was determined to enjoy a day away from London despite my left knee causing me problems. Was it just a coincidence with a planned trip to Hastings? I caught a train from Hendon to St Pancras before boarding a fast service to Ashford International.

I’d expected a quiet ride to the coast on my connection, but the three-car vehicle was packed, not helped by several cyclists and plentiful luggage. Plenty of hipsters seemed to be heading to either my destination or Eastbourne.

On arrival, I took a few photos on a pleasant enough day in the town. I wasn’t that bothered about beers, so I grabbed a pasty and soup from Greggs before taking the bus from Priory Meadow to Downs Road, not long after 2pm.

This worked well for me as I wanted to try and get into The Firs to update my photos and see what condition the old venue was in. Fortunately, I found a way in through a broken fence. You can have a read all about it and the clubs that played there by clicking here.

It probably wasn’t the best plan for my knee, but hey ho. I made my way past the old squash complex, which now had signage as United’s Sports & Social Club. I wandered back down the slope to the entrance to the ground where I paid £6 for admission.

Once inside, I purchased a raffle ticket and was given a free four-page programme. I took a brief look inside the bar, but there wasn’t anything that really took my fancy. The alternative option was far more attractive: a cheeseburger, chips, and a cup of tea. I headed to the seats in the big stand to enjoy and relax.

The view was excellent. The Pilot Field hadn’t changed too much since my previous visit, save for the grass bank on the opposite side being out of bounds owing to the daft, over officious FA ground grading rulings.

The match was being played in honour of award-winning groundsman Simon Rudkins, who was moving on from his role. His playing surface really was near perfect. At first glance, I wondered if it was an artificial pitch, as it looked so good.

The match promised to be intriguing with Dorking having just been promoted to the National League South and Hastings just missing out through the play-offs. The rain on the surface made passing slick and added to plenty of skillful play on show.

The hosts went close with a low shot in the sixth minute, which flashed just wide of the post of keeper Slavomir Huk. Niall McManus put in a good low cross at the other end, but no Dorking player could connect as it went across the area before James McShane headed a corner just over for the visitors.

The deadlock was broken after fifteen minutes with a shot from outside the box from McShane past a disappointed Arrows goalie. Huk made a fine save but could do nothing about the equaliser on twenty-one minutes when a ball was pulled back for James Pool to score.

Huk made a real hash of a clearance that was nearly returned into the unguarded net. The game continued at a good pace until the interval, when I decided to have a walk round and place myself in the cover behind the Elphinstone Road end.

I really enjoyed watching the game at a traditional venue. McManus saw a powerful shot come back off the crossbar soon after the break. Chances were at a premium. The home side's Daniel Ajakaiye was impressing me with his forward play.

Wanderers' sub Giuseppe Sole had a shot saved before the hosts went ahead with fifteen minutes remaining on the clock when a superb effort from Ben Pope was curled past Huk into the corner of the net.

At that point, I moved around to the corner of the pitch. I love to see youngsters going to football, but not while I’m trying to watch, and they’re using it as a playground, running amok. It obviously never occurred to parents who let them loose that others might be there to enjoy the match.

The game petered out after a few Dorking efforts, including one from George Membrilla that found the bar. The result of a friendly is irrelevant to a degree. I’d guess that the respective managers would have been happy enough with their team’s efforts.

At full time, the sensible option would have been taking a bus, but I reckoned the walk down to Queens Road would be downhill and the leg could do with a stretch. Alas, I forgot that there was a climb after the stretch down the hill.

It was a bit of a relief to reach The Imperial, home to The Brewing Brothers. My initial reaction on entering was “oh no”. More kids were playing, and the place seemed pretentious. However, appearances can be slightly misleading. Sure, it was the ‘cool’ place to be, but there was more to it than that.

The beer was decent, and the lads running it were good sorts. Trade was booming when a group of real ale enthusiasts came in with over-the-top analysis. They were nothing compared to two fellas who followed. One wanted to know the origin of each hop and what gravity was being used.

However, my favourite was by far the winner arriving in a waistcoat made out of beer towels and asking the barman to sign and date his book. In return, he gave him a beermat which stated that the establishment was somewhere over 20,000 he’d visited. Several heads were being shaken.

After a couple, I walked along, past The Fountain, which was offering cabaret and didn’t look like my sort of place, and onto Twelve Hundred Postcards, a micropub with excellent background music and a nice pint. I enjoyed it even if the conversation seemed to be minimal.

I didn’t want to head back to London too early, but the pub choice wasn’t outstanding. I decided to give The Carlisle on the seafront a go. I’m glad I did, even if I seemed to be the only person not dressed in black.

People were friendly, if a little unconventional, mainly being punks, goths, or rockers. The jukebox played great tunes, and the bitter from the Long Man Brewery was palatable. I really enjoyed it. I mean, how often do you go to a pub and hear four consecutive Bauhaus tracks being played?

A cover band was beginning to set up, and I was scanning the timetable and considering hanging about, but sometimes it’s a good idea to quit while you're winning. I hobbled back to the station and repeated my train ride via Ashford and the Javelin back to the metropolis.

It’d been a good day out, notwithstanding the gammy knee. I’d found throughout the week that getting out of the capital was a good cure to try and cleanse the mind. The sea air, exercise, and a few pints were certainly as good as any sleeping tablet.

St. Leonards

St. Leonards FC was a non-league football club representing the town of the same name on the Sussex coast, who were formed in 1971 by employees from the Sussex Turnery and Moulding Company, playing friendlies as STAMCO.

The club competed until the 2003-04 season when they folded under the name of St Leonards FC owing to mounting debts.

The club shouldn’t be confused with other incarnations of clubs with St Leonards in their name, which can be read here in the complicated local football account involving the history of the current Hastings United page.

STAMCO became members of Division Five (East) of the Eastbourne & Hastings Football League for the 1971–72 season before progressing to Intermediate level within four years and then the Premier Division for the 1977-78 campaign.

STAMCO made the move to the Southern Counties Combination while playing at Pannel Lane, a few miles out of town. The team were crowned as Division Two in their debut season of 1992-93, finding a place in the Premier Division and going on to win two league titles in three years.

Progress continued as money was invested at a time when Hastings United were also spending. A place in Division Three of the Sussex County League was secured for 1988-89 as STAMCO finished as runners-up to win promotion.

A further runners-up berth in 1992-93 in Division Two led to a place in the top flight of the County League. The club moved into The Firs, the former ground of Hastings Town, positioned on Elphinstone Road above the Pilot Field.

Works were carried out on the ground with much timber being used from the main club sponsors. 1994-95 was a memorable season as crowds flocked to The Firs to see a club on the up. The team ended as Sussex County League runners-up as well as embarking on a fine cup run.

The FA Vase saw STAMCO beat Whitstable Town, Leatherhead, Shoreham and Tiverton Town before falling away to Canvey Island in the fifth round. The team included former Football League stars Jimmy Gilligan, Steve Gatting and Mike Trusson.

Another former League player Gary Chivers enrolled for the following season with STAMCO finishing in second place once again. By now Croft Glass had come on board as a major sponsor, so the club changed their title to St. Leonards Stamcroft in the summer of 1996.

The club had gained a place in the South Division of the Southern League, which insisted on a reference to the club locality in their name; hence the addition of St Leonards. Further improvements were made to The Firs in readiness.

Yet another runners-up place followed; this time behind Forest Green Rovers, leading to promotion to the Premier Division. However, the jump proved too big; both on the pitch and financially, as their parent company withdrew some of the funding.

The team were relegated after just one season; 1997-98. Once the attraction of a continually winning side and less glamorous signings diminished, the crowds also dropped; with some returning to the Pilot Field to cheer on Hastings Town.

The club changed name once again; this time to St Leonards FC, being placed in the Eastern Division after one season for 1999-00, ensuring local derbies with Town for the following three seasons, with the 'Saints’ struggling while Town were crowned champions in 2001-02.

That success hindered St Leonards further before they finished bottom of the table in 2002-03 and were relegated to the Sussex County League, where mounting debts eventually defeated the club who folded during the 2003-04 season; with their playing record expunged.

My visits

Tuesday 12th December 2007

I was enjoying a week away from work and decided to visit some non-league football venues on the Sussex coast to take some photographs and broaden my horizons, calling at previously unvisited towns.

Despite my left knee giving me trouble, the cold but clear day was ideal for exercise to try and get it back in shape. The undulating walk to the Pilot Field was far further than I anticipated.

I’d already called into the grounds of Lewes, Eastbourne Town, Eastbourne United Association, Eastbourne Borough and Bexhill United before arriving in Hastings so a bus would have been a more prudent option in hindsight.

The good news was that access was possible to The Firs. Part of the old pitch was now covered with a caged five-a-side astroturf pitch, meaning the chances of any other club moving in would be unlikely.

The Firs really was a quirky venue, and one I liked, albeit now being in a semi-dilapidated condition, built into the steep incline of Elphinstone Road. The side by the road had the seated stand raised high on the banking above the pitch.

The top end had a thin area of open flat standing built into the hill with a covered area further up, and some steps. The other side was a combination of flat open standing and a covered terrace towards the top half.

The thing that really appealed to me was the amount of timber in the construction. Each path or fenced-off section was built in wood, as were the covers. It must have been quite a sight with over 1,000 fans in attendance during the Vase run.

Once I’d taken my snaps, I walked down the hill to the Pilot Field, where a kind gent allowed me access as we had a nice chat about the complicated past of Hastings football. It had been some effort to walk up there, but well worth it.

I decided to take a bus back into town and walk past where the majestic and historic old Recreation Cricket Ground once stood and to the prom. A final walk took me past the pier and onto St Leonards, where I caught the train back from Warrior Square to London.

Saturday 27th July 2019

The final day of my week's summer break offered the opportunity to take in the pre-season friendly between Hastings United and Dorking Wanderers as well as update my photo collection of The Firs, as I’d lost some during a laptop malfunction a few years previously.

This time, common sense prevailed, as by coincidence, my left knee was giving me problems once again. The bus was definitely going to take the strain. It took me from Priory Meadows to Down Road, from where it was a short walk uphill to the ground.

Some lads were having a kick about in the cage but didn’t seem concerned with my presence. I found a hole in the fence near the covered stand and had a good wander around the overgrown venue, which was now missing the stand and cover behind the goal.

It was an eerie feeling walking around the ground which had seen some previous history. Care was certainly needed in some areas with slippery steps as the rain fell and where some wood and concrete had badly deteriorated.

Satisfied with my work, I continued down a path which led to the Hastings United Sports & Social Club before returning to Elphinstone Road to go to my afternoon match.

Silver Jubilee Park 2019-20

Hendon 0 FC Romania 1 (Wednesday 17th July 2019) Pre-Season Friendly (att: 86)

Another new season at SJP and a chance to catch up with my niece Sally. We enjoyed some chips on the walk down to the ground before the teams came out. Hendon had kept a core from the previous season, with plenty of new signings.

There was some promise, although the visitors were stronger and more physical than some of the triallists on show. Both sides rattled the crossbar before George Taban settled the game with a shot from the edge of the box. Hendon made ten changes at the break to give everyone a run-out. The game was a bit tetchy in parts throughout. Ogo Obi had a half chance for the Dons.

Hendon 1 Billericay Town 2 (Tuesday 23rd July 2019) Pre-Season Friendly (att: 122)

This was an entertaining encounter in which a strong Billericay side edged ahead near to half time thanks to a Moses Emmanuel lob over keeper Luke Sheldrick, who’d earlier denied Charlie Wassmer with a top save. Obi went close for Hendon with a couple of free kicks, before Adam Cunnington doubled the lead with a low shot from outside the box. 

The Greens were putting in a fine showing. A defensive howler from Town allowed Obi to capitalise past Alan Julian. Both sides had opportunities towards the closing stages, but the game ended 2-1, with home fans leaving in a positive mood.

Hendon 1 Metropolitan Police 1 (Tuesday 13th August 2019) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 176)

Hendon had started the season with a creditable 2-2 draw at Weston-Super-Mare on the opening day of the league season and put in another fine performance. They fielded a solid formation with Tom Hamblin and Sam Corcoran the standouts.

The dynamic Kameron English and Connor Calcutt looked to forge a partnership up front against a Met side depleted of many of the players who lost in the Super Play-Off Final a couple of months previously.

It looked like the game would end blank, especially after Ryan Hope saw his shot cleared off the line. English was switched wide following a substitution and he delivered a wonderful cross from the byline for Calcutt to bullet home his header.

The equaliser was slightly fortuitous four minutes from time. Rudy Appiah-Allen stood on the ball in the area, throwing all the defence off guard. His cross was headed home at the back stick by Jeremy Arthur.

Hendon 3 Chesham United 1 (Monday 26th August 2019) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 313)

It was a sweltering Bank Holiday afternoon with temperatures in the mid-thirties. I was shattered from doing nights and ended up getting a cab to the game. I was rewarded with a decent game and a really good Don's performance. Tahjae Anderson made his first start up front as manager Gray rang the changes. 

The move worked when Anderson controlled, cut inside his man before firing a superb left-footed shot past keeper Ben Goode eight minutes before the break. United piled on the pressure after half-time in a decent high-tempo encounter. The Hendon management made their substitutions at a vital time and got them spot on. Ryan Hope saw his shot come back off the post for Connor Calcutt to tap home after seventy-two minutes.

Former Dons forward Karl Oliyidi came off the bench and looked lively before narrowing the deficit with a near-post header when unmarked from a corner. Any home fans' fears were extinguished thanks to a sublime Charlie Smith free kick as the game entered stoppage time.

Hendon 1 Cockfosters 1; Hendon won 2-0 on pens (Tuesday 10th September 2019) London Senior Cup (att: 99)

Cockfosters took the lead when Cekyan Karahozlu capitalised on a defensive error to break through and score past Tyla Dickinson. Hendon huffed and puffed before increasing the pace after the break, before equalising through a Josh Yoane own goal.

Fosters continued to try and grab a winner while Hendon missed chances. It wasn’t a bad game. With no extra time, it was onto penalties, where Dickinson saved the first three Cockfosters' attempts. Howard Hall and Kam English scored for Dons before Valentine scuffed his attempt.

The fourth visitor’s spot kick hit the post, meaning a win for the hosts. It was a nice enough evening out in the usual good company after completing gate duties.

Hendon 1 Dorchester Town 3 (Saturday 14th September 2019) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 195)

This would have made good entertainment for a neutral or visiting fan, but it was murder for those cheering on the boys in green. Chris Grace kept out an early penalty from Town’s Charlie Davis before Matty Harriott put the Dons ahead.

By half time, the score could have easily read 4-4 if not for top goalkeeping from Grace and Shane Murphy, but it was a different story after the break. Dorchester’s forwards, led by Jack Hoey, were quick and smart with their movement throughout.

Hoey helped himself to an excellent hat-trick in the second half as Hendon capitulated and made some horrendous errors, with Grace keeping the score below a real hiding with some great stops. It was a real car crash for home fans on a beautifully sunny day.

Hendon 2 Walton Casuals 0 (Tuesday 22nd October 2019) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 154)

Hendon came into the game with manager Jimmy Gray under pressure with the team in the relegation places. More changes had been made to the squad due to departures, injuries and unavailability. The team were not to let him or the fans down.

It was an excellent first-half display from the Dons, full of pressing and pace, leading to some fine football and goals from Tre Charles and Reece Mitchell. The only disappointment was that the score wasn’t added to.

Walton had more play after the break, but the Hendon defence held firm, with a bit of overdue luck along the way. It was a happy bar after the game, which made a pleasant change.

Hendon 1 Leyton Orient 0 (Tuesday 12th November 2019) London Senior Cup Round Two (att: 157)

New Dons boss Lee Allinson was gradually putting a team together. This was an encouraging performance against a young O’s side, with the club dumped out of the FA Cup by Maldon & Tiptree a few days earlier. The only goal of the game came before the break via a fine Tingey pass to Reece Mitchell, who played in centre forward Calcutt. 

His first touch was excellent before he finished with aplomb. The big man had a good game throughout. Both sides worked hard. Hendon had the better of the few chances, one of which forced keeper Arthur Janata into a good save from Ryan Hope. It’d been a good night out in which I enjoyed pre-match grub with Jeff Cards before meeting up with the usual suspects.

Hendon 0 Harrow Borough 1 (Thursday 26th December 2019) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 305)

This was right up there with the worst games I’ve ever paid to watch. The conditions were dreadful and matched by most of the players. There was very little subtlety or calmness on the ball. Everything was at high speed and error-strewn.

Boro were on a shocking run of form but prevailed owing to a slightly bigger physical presence and a goal tapped home by Marc Charles-Smith following a set piece. Two shots from outside the box from Andronicos Georgiou, saved by Luca Ashby-Hammond, were the Dons' only offering.

Harrow were reduced to ten men by full time as the game became tetchy and a couple of bouts of handbags broke out. They were about as proficient at that as football on the day.

Hendon 4 Weston-super-Mare 0 (Saturday 4th January 2020) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 214)

All prayers were answered as the Dons made use of a bit of good fortune and the excellent saves of Rihards Matervics to put the Seagulls to the sword with a superb performance full of attacking intent.

Early pressure paid off as Luke Tingey smashed home. Weston missed a glorious opportunity to level just before the break when a Scott Laird penalty was saved by the giant stopper.

Liam Brooks capped off a proper shift with a tremendous finish to double the lead. Substitutes Joe Felix and Sam Corcoran rounded off the scoring. The final goal rolled over the line via a post and the back of the head of the beaten keeper.

It was a tremendous atmosphere in the bar to match the lovely ale as players, officials, and fans were as one to celebrate as the New Year Draw commenced. Oh, happy days are here again!

Hendon 2 Yate Town 1 (Saturday 1st February 2020) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 234)

A grand day out and a good football match between two decent sides. Hendon had acquired a class finisher in Joe White. He just did his job with the minimum of fuss. He was the difference between the sides. Yate were young and enthusiastic with some Bristol City youngsters in the side.

Both teams deserved immense credit for performing in difficult cross-pitch high winds. But my man of the match went to the referee, Mr Craig Pullen. There wasn't an ounce of dissent all afternoon as he expertly controlled the game, playing advantage after foul that led to the first goal, but explaining to the fouled player afterwards.

I stoked up for the day with a big brekkie at The Bridge Cafe in West Hampstead before working it off with my excitable 6-year-old Godson around in the bar at Hampstead CC. A couple of perfect pints of Oakham Citra in the Midland Hotel at Hendon station, with the Chestnut Ale top notch at SJP.

The trip reversed with more beers in the previous places with a drinking pal after the game finished in The Railway at West Hampstead and a pizza back home in Kingsbury, waking in the chair at 3am. A proper day out in good company.

Hendon P Hayes & Yeading United P (Saturday 15th February 2020) Southern League Premier Division South

I’d got out of bed and gone down to SJP in what promised to be stormy conditions to help on car park duties. That task had suddenly got easier since it had been tarmacked and had lines painted on it, or at least a little bit. There was no accounting for some of the parking!

All was going well. Gerry and I had filled all the spaces. My mate went down to the entrance to turn extra vehicles away while I went inside for a pre-match pint. The attendance looked promising, and the mood was good as I headed outside.

Only to be met by others coming the other way. The referee had postponed the game as the wind had blown over a corner flag, and he deemed conditions dangerous. He and his officials hadn’t turned up until after 2pm, and I got the immediate impression that they didn’t fancy it from our brief chat as they parked up.

Hendon officials dealt with the situation professionally. Steve Barnes and I got a ride to the Wetherspoons with Lee. We were into our second pint when the full Hayes squad and management came in for a social! My demeanour was tested further on the following Tuesday as I went on the team coach to Poole Town, only for that game to be called off on our arrival!

Hendon 1 Truro City 4 (Saturday 29th February 2020) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 304)

My arrival after twenty minutes was due to a colleague not arriving at work, no trains and an expensive and long Uber taxi ride from Eastcote. My first impression was that the visiting White Tigers were a big, strong team.

They took the lead when Don's keeper, Jonathan North, dropped a ball over the line while under pressure from Tyler Harvey. The ref could have given a foul in different circumstances. Shaun Lucien equalised as the hosts had a fine spell.

The game was ni and tuck before a shocking miscommunication outside the box between North and Eddie Oshodi eventually allowed Will Swan to score into an unguarded net. Harlain Mbayo made it 3-1 when heading home from a corner before Swan finished well to round off the scoring.

The scoreline was harsh on Hendon, but I was in no doubt that the better side had won on the day; however, the Dons offered plenty of optimism. Little did I realise at the time that it would be the last time I saw them in the 2019-20 season owing to the COVID-19 virus.