Bradbury: Hawks deserved more than draw

Lee Bradbury’s side came from behind to level matters as they dropped their first points at home this season.

Ex-Hawks player Adrian Clifton put the visitors ahead early in the second half.

But Jason Prior soon replied with the equaliser.

Boss Bradbury felt his team didn’t get the win their performance deserved.

He said: ‘That is the best we have played in a long time without picking up all three points,’ said Bradbury.

‘In the first half, in particular, I thought we played some stunning football.

‘If it hadn’t been for their goalkeeper, who was their man of the match, Staines would have been dead and buried.

‘He kept them in the game and we could easily have gone in at half-time four goals to the good.

‘We kept creating opportunities but Staines were strong and resilient.

‘The way we conceded from a cross to go behind was disappointing.

‘Our reaction was great, though, quickly getting us back into the game again.’

Theo Lewis dragged a good chance wide when he should have scored after being set up by winger Ben Swallow.

In the final 10 minutes of the first half, the Hawks threatened to run riot.

During that spell, however, visiting goalkeeper Jack Turner enjoyed a purple patch to keep them out.

He made brilliant saves from both Prior and Lewis, along with an unbelievable double save to deny Matt Paterson and Prior.

The Hawks were rocked four minutes into the second period, falling behind after Clifton converted a Max Worsfold free-kick.

But four minutes later Prior turned in a Dan Strugnell cross at the near post.

The hosts were denied a winner by an offside flag after Paterson netted from a Rory Williams cross.

‘We are playing good attacking football at a high tempo,’ said Bradbury.

‘Importantly this result keeps our unbeaten run going.

‘This keeps us right up there in the mix.’

Bradbury was pleased with the way Prior performed on his return from injury.

‘Jason worked ever so hard winning his headers and providing a good link,’ said Bradbury.

‘He also took his goal well.

‘I took him off towards the end to rest him up a little bit.’

The draw keeps the Hawks in third spot behind Leiston and Tonbridge.

Bradbury’s side host Worthing at Westleigh Park (7.45pm) in the league tomorrow night.

Hawks: Young, Strugnell, Williams, Robinson, Woodford, Molyneaux, Swallow (Tarbuck 87mins), Lewis, Prior (Rutherford 82mins), Paterson, Barker (Fogden 59mins)