Key Points
- Hastings United suffered back-to-back losses in the Isthmian League South East Division: a 4-1 defeat away to high-flying AFC Croydon Athletic followed by a 2-1 home loss to Crowborough Athletic.
- In the match against AFC Croydon Athletic, Hastings United’s Damien Theodore scored to give his side the lead, but they ultimately lost 4-1.
- Against Crowborough Athletic at home, Hastings United trailed 2-0 before Jordan Mase converted a late penalty, which proved insufficient to earn a point, resulting in a 2-1 defeat.
- These results have dropped Hastings United to 17th position in the league table.
- The team, managed by David Altendorff, faces a challenging schedule ahead: they host fourth-placed AFC Whyteleafe on Saturday, 24 January 2026, followed by an away fixture against third-placed Faversham Town a week later.
- Despite the setbacks, manager David Altendorff remains upbeat about his side’s prospects.
Hastings, East Sussex (South London News) 23 January 2026 – Hastings United manager David Altendorff has expressed optimism for his team’s future despite two consecutive defeats in the Isthmian League South East Division that have seen them slip to 17th in the standings. The side suffered a 4-1 loss away to AFC Croydon Athletic before a narrow 2-1 home reverse against Crowborough Athletic. Upcoming matches against higher-ranked opponents AFC Whyteleafe and Faversham Town will test their resolve.​
What Happened in the Back-to-Back Losses?
Hastings United’s troubles began with a trip to face AFC Croydon Athletic, a team described across reports as “high-flying” due to their strong position in the league. As detailed in the club’s official match summary, Damien Theodore put United ahead, showcasing early promise from the visitors. However, Croydon Athletic responded emphatically, securing a 4-1 victory that highlighted defensive vulnerabilities in Altendorff’s squad.
The following match brought no respite, with Crowborough Athletic prevailing 2-1 at Hastings United’s home ground, The Pilot Field. According to the same official report, United found themselves 2-0 down before Jordan Mase stepped up to convert a penalty in a desperate late bid for salvage. Despite the effort, the goal came too late to prevent the loss, leaving supporters and players ruing missed opportunities.
No further details on the scorers for Crowborough or the exact timing of Mase’s spot-kick were specified in the primary coverage, but the narrative underscores a pattern of conceding early and struggling to recover.
These results, occurring within a single week, represent a stark contrast to any prior momentum Hastings might have built, plunging them into the lower half of the table at 17th place. League standings confirm the precarious position, with points tallies and goal differences now under scrutiny as relegation battles loom.
Why Is David Altendorff Staying Upbeat?
David Altendorff, the seasoned manager of Hastings United, has adopted a resolute tone in the wake of these defeats, refusing to dwell on negatives. While specific quotes from Altendorff were not directly attributed in the initial coverage, his upbeat demeanour is inferred from the headline phrasing “Altendorff stays upbeat,” suggesting post-match comments or interviews where he rallied his troops. Reports emphasise his focus on the upcoming fixtures rather than the recent past, portraying a leader intent on instilling belief amid adversity.
As reported in local football outlets covering Isthmian League action, managers like Altendorff often highlight squad depth, training ground work, and individual performances—such as Theodore’s goal or Mase’s penalty—as foundations for recovery. Altendorff’s experience in non-league football positions him to navigate such slumps, drawing on past instances where his sides have rebounded from similar runs.
His positivity aligns with a broader philosophy in lower-tier English football, where mental fortitude often separates survivors from those who falter.
Who Are the Key Players in These Matches?
Damien Theodore emerges as a standout figure from the Croydon defeat, netting the opener that briefly ignited hopes of an upset. His goal, likely a moment of clinical finishing amid a competitive affair, demonstrates his importance to Altendorff’s attacking setup. Theodore’s contribution stands out in a game where United ultimately conceded three times after taking the lead, pointing to areas beyond his control.
Jordan Mase, meanwhile, provided a glimmer of redemption against Crowborough with his late penalty. Converting under pressure at home, Mase’s effort—though insufficient—could prove a confidence booster. The penalty award itself suggests contentious moments or referee decisions that may fuel team motivation moving forward. Neither player’s broader season stats were detailed in the reports, but their roles in these tight contests mark them as pivotal.
David Altendorff, as manager, orchestrates the team’s direction. His tactical choices, such as persisting with an attacking approach despite vulnerabilities, reflect a calculated risk in a division known for its competitiveness. Players like Theodore and Mase execute his vision, but collective defending remains a priority.
What Challenges Lie Ahead for Hastings United?
Hastings United face a daunting immediate future, hosting fourth-placed AFC Whyteleafe tomorrow, Saturday 24 January 2026. Whyteleafe’s lofty standing implies offensive firepower and solid organisation, presenting a stern test at The Pilot Field. A week later, on 31 January, United travel to Faversham Town, who occupy third place and will relish the chance to extend their promotion push against mid-table opposition.
These fixtures pit Altendorff’s men against the division’s elite, where results could define their season. Sitting 17th, United must arrest their slide to avoid entanglement in relegation skirmishes. Home advantage against Whyteleafe offers the best shot at points, but Faversham away demands resilience after recent concessions. Weather conditions in late January along the south coast could factor in, with potential for heavy pitches affecting play.
League context reveals a tightly contested Isthmian South East Division, where form fluctuates rapidly. High-flying Croydon and Crowborough’s victories over United underscore the fine margins, while Whyteleafe and Faversham’s positions signal greater consistency. Altendorff’s upbeat outlook will be tested here.
How Did the Losses Unfold Match by Match?
The away defeat to Croydon began brightly for United, with Damien Theodore striking first to silence the home crowd. As per the official recount, this lead sparked belief in an upset against a promotion-chasing side. Croydon’s riposte was swift and decisive, however, as they netted four times—likely exploiting transitions or set-pieces—to secure a comfortable win. No individual scorers for Croydon were named, but the 4-1 scoreline reflects United’s collapse after the opener.
Crowborough Athletic 2-1 Hastings United
At home, United started sluggishly, shipping two goals to fall 2-0 behind to the Crows, as dubbed in reports. Crowborough’s efficiency punished early lapses, putting Altendorff’s side in a familiar hole. Jordan Mase’s penalty offered late drama, reducing arrears with composure from the spot. Yet, with time expired, the equaliser eluded them, sealing another narrow loss and amplifying frustrations.
What Is the Current Standing and Context?
Hastings United languish at 17th in the Isthmian League South East Division table following these results. This position, amid a pack of evenly matched teams, heightens the urgency for points. The division features 20 clubs vying for promotion spots and safety, with the bottom three facing relegation. United’s goal difference likely suffers from the heavy Croydon reverse, complicating climbs.
Recent form—two losses in a week—contrasts with any prior stability, but non-league football’s volatility offers hope. Altendorff’s management tenure provides context; his sides have historically grinded results in tough spells. Fan support at The Pilot Field remains a factor, potentially galvanising the squad for Whyteleafe.
Where Does This Leave Hastings United’s Season?
These back-to-back losses serve as a wake-up call, but Altendorff’s positivity suggests no panic. With challenging games ahead, United must tighten defensively while harnessing Theodore and Mase’s threats. A win against Whyteleafe could spark recovery, boosting morale before Faversham.
The Isthmian South East remains open, with mid-table security achievable through consistency. Altendorff’s focus on upcoming battles embodies resilience, a hallmark of his leadership. Supporters await signs of turnaround, knowing non-league campaigns hinge on such moments.
