Hastings United and Bognor Regis Town played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in the English FA Trophy on September 12, 2026, with the tie now set for a replay. In a match between two well-matched Isthmian League Premier Division sides, both teams had spells of dominance but could not find a winner, leaving the outcome finely balanced.

Match Overview

Hastings United started the brighter of the two teams, pressing high and moving the ball with purpose. Their reward came in the 23rd minute when their winger cut inside from the left and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance. Bognor Regis Town responded well, though, and began to assert themselves through their physical midfield and direct wing play.

The equaliser arrived in the 67th minute when Bognor were awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge in the box. Their captain stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, levelling the score. Both sides pushed for a winner in the final 20 minutes, with Hastings hitting the side netting and Bognor forcing a stunning save from the home goalkeeper, but neither could find the decisive goal.

Key Moments

• 23rd minute: Hastings United take the lead with a curling shot from the left winger.
• 38th minute: Bognor’s striker heads just wide from a good cross.
• 67th minute: Bognor Regis Town equalise from the penalty spot.
• 82nd minute: Hastings hit the side netting after a swift counter-attack.
• 90+2nd minute: Bognor’s midfielder forces a superb save from the Hastings goalkeeper with a dipping volley.

Tactical Story

Hastings United favoured a fluid 4-3-3, with their front three interchanging positions and causing Bognor’s back four problems with their movement. They looked dangerous whenever they attacked down the left, where their winger was consistently beating his marker. Bognor, meanwhile, set up in a 4-4-2 and looked to use their strikers’ strength to hold up the ball and bring others into play. Their equaliser came from a set-piece situation, an area where they had been threatening all game.

The game became stretched in the final 20 minutes as both managers made attacking substitutions. Hastings pushed their full-backs higher, while Bognor introduced fresh legs in midfield to try to control the tempo. It made for an end-to-end finish, but the defences held firm under pressure.

Standout Players

Hastings United’s left winger was the most exciting player on the pitch, scoring a stunning goal and tormenting the Bognor right-back throughout. Their goalkeeper also deserves praise for a crucial late save. For Bognor Regis Town, their captain was a calming presence in midfield and dispatched his penalty with confidence, while their centre-back won several important aerial duels.

What It Means

The draw means the tie will be settled in a replay at Bognor Regis Town, a fixture that both clubs will approach with belief. Hastings will feel they should have won it after creating the better chances, but Bognor showed their resilience and will be buoyed by their second-half performance. With two evenly matched sides, the replay promises to be another tight and competitive affair, with a place in the next round of the FA Trophy on the line.