Away the lads – boss Doswell aiming to maintain his fine Hawks record on the road in National League South trip to Essex

Since arriving at the club in May 2019, he has tasted victory in almost half his away National League South matches.

Hawks have won 20 out of 42 games, losing just nine. In 2019/20 they were the only side in the top six tiers of English football not to lose an away league games, and last season won six away matches before Christmas.

However, that horrific 8-0 Boxing Day slaughter at Dorking sparked a run of only one win in their last 11 away league fixtures, though six were drawn.

‘I think we always have a nice shape when we go away,’ said Doswell ahead of this weekend’s trip to Braintree.

‘At home maybe we get a bit too anxious at times, and probably leave the door open at the back a bit more. We’re probably a bit more solid away from home, and we seem to take our chances better.’

Prior to losing 2-0 at home to Chippenham on the final day of 2021/22, shattering play-off ambitions as a result, Hawks had only lost once in 15 games.

They ended the campaign with three away draws, including points at Bath and Welling - two teams who finished in the bottom four.

‘I’ve always said you have to respect a point away,’ said Doswell. ‘And at the time we were winning our home games, comfortably so at times. If you’re winning your home games, an away point is a good one.’

Hawks lifted the curtain on the manager’s fourth season at the club with a 3-1 home win over Slough last weekend.

Braintree, who lost 2-1 at Dulwich, signed the highly experienced centre half John White in the summer after his release by Southend.

Alfie Matthews, who spent 11 years in the Arsenal youth academy before a spell at Crystal Palace, is another new recruit.

Apart from Tommy Wright and Sam Magri - neither is expected back before November at the earliest - Doswell reports ‘a clean bill of health’. Striker Mo Faal picked up an ankle injury after coming on his debut against Slough, but should have recovered for the trip to Essex.

‘By the law of averages, we are due a good season regarding injuries. In the three years I’ve been here we’ve had a horrific time. We deserve a bit of lady luck.

‘We’ve got a nice mix, I’d say the average age is around 25, and that’s a great age. There’s a real nice balance.’

Hawks have won four and drawn one of their five league and cup games at Braintree since they last lost there - in the 2011/12 season.

The match means a quick return to Cressing Road for winger Gianni Crichlow, one of Hawks’ summer signings. He was brought in after impressing for Braintree against Hawks last season.

Crichlow made a fine start to his NLS campaign against Slough, providing assists for all three goals.