Bradbury wary of Billericay backlash

Lee Bradbury has warned the Hawks to expect a backlash as they prepare to face Billericay Town in the Ryman Premier at New Lodge tonight (7.45pm).
Hawks front man Alfie Rutherford Picture: Ian HargreavesHawks front man Alfie Rutherford Picture: Ian Hargreaves
Hawks front man Alfie Rutherford Picture: Ian Hargreaves

The Hawks inflicted a 5-0 defeat on the Essex side in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Bradbury, however, is under no illusions about the task facing them on the road as they look to end a three-game run without a win in the league.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Billericay will be desperate to inflict revenge on us after the FA Trophy game,’ said the Westleigh Park boss.

‘They are going to be well up for it and will come out of the blocks quickly looking to get at us.

‘It won’t be easy but we have to be prepared to meet them head on.

‘We saw in the first game against them that they are a big, powerful side but we have to go there and not let them bully us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘They do try to bully teams with their physicality and they are good at it.

‘If we can stand up to them physically then we showed that we have the quality to hurt them.

‘We kept our discipline well and it will be important to do the same again.’

Bradbury will be boosted by the news that experienced midfielder Brian Stock is back in contention.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The club captain missed Saturday’s Trophy tie because of a one-game suspension, after picking up five bookings.

Andreas Robinson did well in his absence, but Stock’s experience could prove invaluable.

After scoring a hat-trick at the weekend, Jason Prior will almost certainly be unleashed to cause more damage up front.

Bradbury, though, has to decide who his strike partner will be.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He could revert back to Matt Paterson, who had to settle for a place among the substitutes last time out.

Youngster Alfie Rutherford and veteran James Hayter are other options available.

‘It is an important game for us in the league and we want to go there and win,’ added Bradbury.

‘There is no doubt that it is going to be a tough, bruising encounter and we have to be ready for that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘They will feel they have a point to prove and we have to stand up to that.

‘We will have to roll our sleeves up and match them.

‘It is important that we don’t allow them to rattle us.

‘Us winning by such a big margin only makes it tougher for us at their place.

‘They have an excellent record at home, where I think they have won nine on the bounce.

‘The league remains our priority and we need to start winning again.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

n The Hawks have been drawn against either Brightlingsea Regent or Harlow Town in the next round of the FA Trophy.

National League South Gosport Borough face an away trip to Hungerford Town.

Ties are due to be played on Saturday, November 26.

Related topics: