Hastings: Hogdsons Can End Town’s Dominance

Lee Hastings expects his former club Hodgsons FC to give Beverley Town a real examination of their unbeaten record when the two sides clash in the inaugural HU17 Challenge Cup at the Norwood Recreation Ground tomorrow (2pm ko).

Town are flying high at the top of the Humber Premier League, three points clear of second-placed North Cave with a game in hand.

Hodgsons, meanwhile, are finding life tough in the top flight and are third bottom having picked up just 13 points so far this season.

But Hastings – whose eight years in charge of The Tanners saw a period of sustained success and growth – says form will go out of the window and he expects his old club to come out all-guns blazing as they seek to become the holders of the town’s newest and most prestigious trophy.

Hastings told HU17.net: “I think it goes without saying that Beverley Town go into this game as strong favourites having not lost a game so far this season.

“However, for anybody that has seen the previous meetings between these two sides they will note the very close scorelines, with both teams beating each other in the process.”

One advantage The Tanners could have is inside knowledge.

Town have taken a number of players from Hodgsons over the years, and Hastings believes his former club will have one or two plans in place for some of Town’s star players.

“One advantage for Hodgsons manager Rob Lever is having good knowledge of some of the former Hodgsons players that now play for Beverley, including, Ben and Luke Thompson, Rob Northen and Player Manager David Ricardo.

“Everybody loves to be a part of local derby, and with that in mind the form book goes out the window.

“Having spent 8 good years with Hodgsons, I hope The Tanners get the result they seek.”