Hawks keen to build on momentum

The league’s new boys, who were relegated from National League South last season, are unbeaten since the opening day of the campaign and sit third in the table.

Although they dropped their first points at home with a 1-1 draw against Staines Town on Saturday, Bradbury felt some of the football his side played was outstanding.

He didn’t think they got their just rewards on the day.

A large reason for that was the inspired display from the Staines goalkeeper, who pulled off a fine string of saves to keep his side in the game.

‘On any other day we could easily have scored four goals before half-time,’ said Bradbury.

‘If we keep playing like we did week in, week out we are going to win more games than we lose.

‘Now we have another opportunity to maintain the pressure on the top two.

‘We are at home and Worthing have slipped a little after making a good start.

‘It is important that we keep tucking away the points

‘We have a good momentum going at the moment and we want to maintain that.

‘The players continue to make demands of each other, putting in the necessary hard work.

‘The standards have been set and we must keep to them.’

The goal Staines scored in the weekend draw was the first the Hawks have conceded in five league games.

Bradbury’s side has looked a lot stronger defensively this season after leaking goals last year.

Lee Molyneaux had another outstanding game in the heart of the defence against the visitors.

Molyneaux and full-back Dan Strugnell were probably the pick of the Hawks’ players.

With Ed Harris still feeling his way back after a year out through injury, Molyneaux has proved an invaluable member of the squad.

Playing alongside Ryan Woodford, the central defender has done as much as any player to deny opposition forwards.

Strugnall was the Hawks’ best player last season and has carried on where he left off.

The talented footballer is quick in defence and also provides an extra attacking.

He works well with winger Ben Swallow on the right, pushing forward and creating lots of opportunities.

There is nothing Strugnell likes better than foraging upfield, and in the past he has also been a potent threat on the end of set-pieces.

Bradbury hopes to have Harris back in contention after he missed training last week through illness.

The home side are also pleased to have Jason Prior back after a brief spell injured on the sidelines.

He celebrated his return to action with the goal against Staines.

The chances are he will continue up front with fellow in-form striker Matt Paterson for the visit of Wothing.

Hawks: Young, Strugnell, Woodford, Molyneaux, Williams, Lewis, Robinson, Swallow, Prior, Paterson, Barker,Harris, Tarbuck, Stock, Fogden, Hayter, Rutherford, Medway

Also in the Ryman League, Bognor are at home to Burgess Hill.