Hastings manager George Wakeling is delighted with the way his side have responded to the challenge of premier division football.

He just wishes more locals would appreciate it.

Just 521 spectators turned up at the Pilot Field to see Hastings lose 3-2 to last season's runners-up Tamworth With the exception of top scorer Ellis Remy, Wakeling has kept faith with the players who won the eastern division last term.

United have made a steady start, accumulated 15 points and are on course for a 60-point finish which would comfortably secure their place in the top flight.

There are plenty of former professionals for the Hastings public to see.

Steve Walsh, who made nearly 400 appearances for Leicester, was in the Tamworth line-up at the weekend and Hastings have already come up against the likes of Liam Daish and Kevin Francis this season.

But the Hastings public have not responded. This season's average attendance is 521,compared to last season's 437.

Wakeling said: "I am told the amount of people coming here is about the same as when we were last in the premier division.

"We seem to get a certain sized crowd whether we are doing well or not. Some clubs push on and get about 700 when they go up.

"We should be getting more people but I can't do anything about it, it is out of my hands.

"We have given the people of Hastings a higher standard of football and we are playing against some top quality ex-professionals each week.

"It's their choice, it seems to depend on what is on TV and some fans probably chose to watch the Newcastle v Sunderland game and stay in the pub."

Those that did missed an exciting match.

Hastings made the perfect start when French striker Landry Zahana-Oni headed them into the lead in the second minute from a Duncan McArthur free-kick.

But the joy was shortlived when visitors' skipper Mark Cooper curled an exquisite free-kick into Dave King's top left corner in the 13th minute.

United, who lost skipper Tony Burt at half-time with a groin strain, conceded a second goal two minutes into the second half when Walsh finished from close range before McArthur stabbed in an equaliser in the 51st minute.

Cooper scored the winner six minutes from the end but there was still time for Hastings substitute Graham Webb to spurn two good goalscoring opportunities.

Tamworth probably shaded it and it is not difficult to see why they are among the favourites for promotion.

Wakeling, who failed sign Albion's John Piercy in midweek, wants to add more quality to his small squad.

He said: "I met Piercy's dad to work out a deal. It was all depended on whether he would sign for Brighton. But he had a couple of good games for them and he has gone there instead.

"We are looking to improve our squad all the time. Hastings is one of the biggest clubs in Sussex so if we don't find a gem in the county we will have to get someone in from further away and that takes time and money."

United's priority is to bring in a striker because Remy is still injured and Chris Honey has failed to score in five starts since making the step up to the premier division.

At the moment 26-year-old ex-Luton player Zahana-Oni is shouldering the main responsibility and he has bought a new pair of red boots for luck.

"They are my lucky boots and I only wear them for games," he said. "I have scored three goals in our eleven goals but I want more.

"I think we can play better. We have some very talented midfield players and we need to start playing from the back. We need to pass the ball more, when we do that we'll be a better team."

Hastings: King, Yates, Hegley, Playford, Burt (Osborne 45), Flanagan, Myall, McArthur, Zahana-Oni, Simmonds, Honey (Webb 84). Subs not used: Ruddy.

Tamworth: Acton, Warner, Norton, Turner, Walsh, Cooper, Follets, Hemmings (sub: Colley 84), Sale (sub: Hallam 65), Rickards, McGorry. Subs not used: Grocutt, Beasley, Bates.

Referee: Martin Bishop (Southfleet)

Attendance: 521 Man-of-the-match: Danny Simmonds, skillful on the ball and unlucky not to score.