Gomis the match-winner as Hawks reach FA Cup second round for only the second time in their history

Hawks are through to the second round of the FA Cup for only the second time in the club’s 22-year history.
Bedsente Gomis heads Hawks into the second round of the FA Cup. Photo by Dave HainesBedsente Gomis heads Hawks into the second round of the FA Cup. Photo by Dave Haines
Bedsente Gomis heads Hawks into the second round of the FA Cup. Photo by Dave Haines

But the National League South club made incredibly hard work of defeating two divisions lower Cray Valley Paper Mills 1-0 with a first half goal from midfielder Bedsente Gomis.

Gomis - who was part of Hawks boss Paul Doswell’s Sutton United side which reached the FA Cup fifth round in 2016/17 - headed in a cross from left-back George Mclellan on 18 minutes.

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In a game of very few chances, Hawks had to play the last half hour with only 10 men after midfielder Godfrey Poku - making his first start of the season in the absence of the suspended Billy Clifford - was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Hawks celebrate Bedsente Gomis' FA Cup winner against Cray Valley. Photo by Dave HainesHawks celebrate Bedsente Gomis' FA Cup winner against Cray Valley. Photo by Dave Haines
Hawks celebrate Bedsente Gomis' FA Cup winner against Cray Valley. Photo by Dave Haines

Cray piled on the pressure after that, but the nearest they came was when midfielder Matthew Warren struck a 20-yard shot against the post late on.

Isthmian South East Leaguers Cray had already won through five rounds to get this far, including wins at higher division pair Maidenhead (3-2) and Harrow Borough (5-1).

The Kent club caused Hawks a few scares in both halves, with dangerman Ade Yussuf at the heart of their best moments.

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Yussuf, in space on the right side, fired across keeper Ross Worner and wide of the far post on only four minutes.

Godfrey Poku is sent off by referee James Durkin. Photo by Dave HainesGodfrey Poku is sent off by referee James Durkin. Photo by Dave Haines
Godfrey Poku is sent off by referee James Durkin. Photo by Dave Haines

The only goal of a very tight tie came when Roarie Deacon spotted Mclellan - handed his first Hawks start in place of Anthony Straker - on the overlap. Mclellan provided a superb cross and Gomis was unmarked in the six-yard box to easily head in.

It was to be a rare moment of quality in a game which won’t live long in the memory.

Mclellan’s superb crossfield pass was chested down by Josh Taylor, who advanced into the penalty area only to see keeper Andy Walker save with his legs.

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At the other end, Yussuf played Ade Adeyemo in but, with Worner advancing, fired wastefully over the bar.

Lucas Sinclair goes down after a challenge by Kalvin Morath-Gibbs, but no penalty was awarded. Photo by Dave HainesLucas Sinclair goes down after a challenge by Kalvin Morath-Gibbs, but no penalty was awarded. Photo by Dave Haines
Lucas Sinclair goes down after a challenge by Kalvin Morath-Gibbs, but no penalty was awarded. Photo by Dave Haines

Yussuf then sprinted into the Hawks penalty area but, with only Worner to beat, overran the ball.

Doswell was forced into a half-time change as Mclellan - starting his first competitive game since September 2019 - reported an Achilles injury and was replaced by Straker.

Kieron McCann fired over for Cray within 60 seconds of the restart before Yussuf’s shot was blocked for a corner.

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Hawks countered with Taylor shooting wide from a short corner routine on 58 minutes before good play on the right between Taylor and Benny Read ended with Gomis’ shot being blocked on the edge of the penalty box.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men just after the hour mark when Poku was shown a red card by referee James Durkin. Initially booked in just the second minute - Doswell said that could easily have been a sending off offence - he was dismissed for another foul.

That left Hawks to face an uncomfortable final half-hour against a Cray side who had nothing to lose.

Doswell switched to a three-man central defensive unit, bringing Craig Robson on and sacrificing striker Joe Iaciofano, with Tommy Wright up front on his own.

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As the visitors piled forward, Yussuf twice saw shots blocked by an impressive Hawks rearguard before the same player had a shot deflected for a corner.

Matthew Warren’s shot was deflected wide for another flag-kick before Cray were adamany they should have had a penalty as the clock ticked towards the 90 minutes.

But instead of pointing to the spot for a foul on Yussuf, Durkin booked the Cray dangerman for diving. Television replays showed it was the right decision.

There was still time for Warren to smack a 20-yard shot against the outside of a post before Yussuf shot wide for the last time.

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The only other time Hawks reached the second round of the FA Cup was in 2007/08, when they ended up reaching the fourth round.

Hawks: Worner, Read, Mclennan (Straker, 45), Diarra, Magri, Poku, Taylor, Gomis, Wright, Iaciofano (Robson, 67) Deacon (Sinclair, 84).

Cray Valley: Walker, Dymond, Hickey (Morath-Gibbs, 64), Sains, Tumkaya, Gayle, Adeyemo (Hill, 79), McCann (Babalola, 70), Warren, Ibrahiym, Yussuf.

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