Bradbury: Hawks have to get ready for a relegation scrap

It was a 10th defeat in 13 away games, leaving them in big trouble, marooned in the bottom three of the National League South.

Bradbury knows he needs to find answers quickly to turn the Hawks’ fortunes around with two major areas for concern.

His team have not kept a clean sheet since the end of August and his strikers are not scoring.

If that continues it is a recipe for disaster.

‘I said to the players I can’t believe we have lost the game,’ said Bradbury.

‘It is the same old story where once again we have done okay but have ended up coming away with nothing.

‘I would rather play poorly and win.

‘We are in a relegation battle, whether we like it or not.

‘There are 19 games left and we have to be accountable, giving it everything that we have got.

‘I am convinced we possess more than enough to climb the table.

‘We just need a result to help turn things around and every point is vital to us.

‘There is no hiding place for anyone and we have to start getting points on the board.’

After an even first half, the Hawks trailed at the interval to a freak 36th-minute goal.

A deep corner was headed back across goal where Daniel Pappoe fired in a low shot which was heading way off target.

Unfortunately for the Hawks it struck Louis John in front of goal and flew into the net.

‘Their first goal was a cross shot going 30 yards wide until it took a wicked deflection,’ added Bradbury.

‘When you are at the bottom end of the table that’s the sort of thing that happens with the luck going against you.

‘We had the same number of chances as them in the game and probably the better ones.

‘It is an area where players need to take more ownership because we lacked a cutting edge.

‘We had a couple of one on ones and one glorious chance at vital times but didn’t take them.

‘If we are to start climbing the league we have to take the chances when they come along.

‘I have given players enough chances and you can only stick with them for a certain amount of time.

‘It is something I need to look at.’

Bradbury sent on Pompey loanee Jack Whatmough for the final 15 minutes and he showed some good touches.

But with the Hawks pushing forward for an equaliser Ogo Obi made it 2-0 on the counter attack.

Hawks: Young, Strugnell, Medway, Dutton (Whatmough 75), Molyneaux, Hill, Ciardini, Donnelly, Paterson (Hayter 75), Mullings (Morgan 75), Lewis.

Att: 348