Match Preview: Eastbourne Town vs. Hastings United
Date: Tuesday 23rd July 2024
Kick-off: 7:45 PM
Venue: The Saffrons, BN21 1EA
Admission: £5 Adult | £3 Concessions/Students | Under-16s Free
Match Officials: Joshua Langley-Fineing (Referee), David Stappleton & Nicholas Garside.
Eastbourne Town welcomes Hastings United to The Saffrons on the 23rd of July, 2024. The two sides meet annually to contest the Roger Lee Trophy, a fixture named in honour of the former Eastbourne Town goalkeeping coach and player for multiple clubs in the Hastings area.
This year’s match also marks Danny Bloor’s return to The Saffrons. Bloor, who recently took the reins as the new manager of Hastings United, is no stranger to Eastbourne Town, having previously managed the club between 2009-2013. (See previous manager)
Eastbourne Town: Preparing for a new challenge
After a decade-long absence, we are gearing up for our first season back in the Isthmian South East Division. The club and coaching staff have been working hard in pre-season to ensure we are competitive from the get-go. It’s our first friendly on home ground and supporters will be eager to see how the team has gelled over the summer and what the new signings might bring to the squad.
Our higher-division opponents will undoubtedly help Jude Macdonald’s squad prepare for the more established sides in our new division. With a mix of experienced players, new signings and promising young talents, we will aim to put on a good display that can boost our confidence heading into the new season regardless of the result.
Hastings United: Looking to build on recent success
Hastings United are coming off a solid 7th-place finish in the Isthmian Premier Division under then-manager, Chris Agutter. Under the new leadership of Danny Bloor, the club is aiming to build on that performance and push into the playoff places. A magnificent achievement by all at the club which won promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division in 2022 after winning the league title.
There has been movement out of the Pilot Field for the U’s. Exciting winger, John Ufuah, left to join a higher-level club whilst Ollie Black followed Chris Agutter to Worthing. Heading in the opposite direction, home town player Kane Penn returned and Sean Ray joined Danny Bloor’s management team.
Previous results (Friendlies)
Eastbourne Town:
Saltdean United 0-3 Eastbourne Town | Newhaven 2-0 Eastbourne Town | Peacehaven & Telscombe 0-0 Eastbourne Town
Hastings United:
Newhaven 3-2 Hastings United | Faversham Town 1-1 Hastings United | Steyning Town 0-1 Hastings United
Remembering Joe Kight
The Roger Lee Trophy match is more than just a pre-season friendly; it’s a celebration of local football heritage and a chance for both club’s to remember and celebrate past and present volunteers.
This year, both clubs come together to remember a legend of each town’s footballing communities, Joe Knight. Joe sadly passed away on the 28th May 2024, aged 73. Joe was Eastbourne Town Football Club’s photographer for seven years and was a dear friend to the club’s committee members and supporters club. He will be missed by many.
Please join us for a minute’s applause before kick-0ff to remember the late great Joe Knight.