Neville Southall had his first glimpse of the Hastings United side he is set to take charge of at the Pilot Field last night.

Five days after his appointment as Steve Lovell's successor at Hastings, Southall was an interested spectator as his new charges ran out 4-0 winners over Sidley United.

The former Everton and Wales goalkeeping legend does not officially take the reins until the trip to Ashford Town on December 27.

Last night he took a watching brief from the stand and must have been fairly impressed with what he saw as Hastings brushed aside their County League visitors to reach the final of the Hastings Senior Cup.

Although assistant boss Vince Moorton was calling the shots from the dugout, the players were out to impress the new manager.

Southall had already challenged them to show their character against a Sidley side determined to cast a cloud over the dawn of a new era at the Pilot Field.

But there were no hiccups for the Ryman League division one side. Hastings looked solid defensively and also showed some neat touches going forward as two goals in either half booked a meeting with Rye and Iden United later in the season.

Sean Ray, now playing at centre back, headed the first goal in the 13th minute from Russell Eldridge's inswinging corner and seven minutes later Simon Rowland turned and fired a marvellous second in off the far post.

Chris Honey slotted home number three 20 minutes into the second period after being released by Eldridge and the lively Danny Ellis finished it off five minutes from the end after following good link up play between Honey and Rowland.