Double blow for Hawks ahead of crucial trip to National League South title rivals Slough Town

The Hawks are without two key players for their crucial Vanarama National League South clash at fellow title-chasers Slough Town.
Simon Walton is suspended for the Hawks' trip to Slough Town. Picture: Dave HainesSimon Walton is suspended for the Hawks' trip to Slough Town. Picture: Dave Haines
Simon Walton is suspended for the Hawks' trip to Slough Town. Picture: Dave Haines

Midfielders Bedsente Gomis and Simon Walton are both suspended following their red cards in the last two games.

Paul Doswell will be forced to reshuffle the pack as they look to defend their unbeaten away record in the league.

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Second-placed Slough will pose a potent threat to the Hawks' remarkable record on the road.

When the two sides met earlier in the season at Westleigh Park, it ended in controversy.

With the Hawks leading 2-0 the referee, under duress from the visitors, abandoned the game after 75 minutes because of a waterlogged pitch.

There was plenty of bad feeling afterwards, but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then.

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It promises to be a titanic struggle for the Hawks because Slough have lost just twice at home so far this season.

They also possess the best defensive record in the league, conceding 28 goals in their 29 games.

The Hawks will have their work cut out if they are to keep their record going.

Although missing two players is a blow, they are boosted by the return of Wes Fogden in midfield.

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The former Pompey midfielder returned to action as a second half substitute in the 0-0 draw against Dulwich Hamlet.

His energy and drive in gave the Hawks an added dimension in that area.

The experienced midfielder is glad to be back and wants to play his part in extending the Hawks' unbeaten away record.

‘Remaining unbeaten away from home is massively important to us,’ said Fogden.

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‘At the moment, it is only us and Liverpool that can boast such a proud record.

‘We feel it is a great achievement.

‘We want to go out and win every game.

‘It is difficult to explain why we have done better away from home.

‘Normally, it is the other way round.

‘Recently, our home pitch hasn't helped and makes it difficult to get the ball down and pass.

‘We have a good, solid mentality away from home.

‘Slough play on a 4G pitch so that means we will have to adapt our game.

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‘The bounce and the run of the ball is different to the traditional grass pitches.

‘It is a case of going there and being prepared to deal with it.’

There remains a doubt over whether Sam Magri will be fit enough to come in to replace Walton.

Dean Beckwith is another option or Joe Cook could be recalled from his loan at Bognor.

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