Interesting trawling through the records of the other 72 clubs at Ryman level and seeing that Hastings have officially the best home record at all levels so far this season, played 10, won 8, drawn 2, lost none. As well as that they are one of only three teams unbeaten this season, the others being Maidstone Utd and Witham Town. So what has brought on this massive change of fortunes at the Pilot Field? Looking back over the past 5 seasons our home form has been nothing short of disastrous and undoubtedly the reason why we have struggled near the bottom each year.
2012-13 W4 D10 L7
2011-12 W6 D5 L10
2010-11 W6 D4 L11
2009-10 W10 D5 L6
2008-09 W6 D4 L11
Overall home record 2008-2013 played 105 won 32 drawn 28 lost 45. Just a 30% win ratio.
So is this just down to the poor standard of opponent at this level? or are the smaller teams being intimidated by the larger crowds and noise produced at the Pilot Field? Maybe its the quality of the pitch as just about every ground I have visited this year have produced an extremely poor playing surface. Or is it quite simply down to the players and John Maggs influence. Whatever the reason it's nice to finally see the Pilot Field as some kind of fortress that opponents are intimidated by.
Can't all be down to JM as Terry and Mark were in charge during the first part of the season. I think that a combination of John and Terry plus the pitch allowing the lads to play football are the major reasons. The support is brilliant but that is the icing on a very tasty cake.
Those of us who braved the elements on Monday saw two teams producing good football in appalling weather until that pillock intervened and there wasn't an opposition supporter to be seen.
Keep it up lads and roll on Saturday.
