Hawks aiming for first ever play-off victory – at the fifth attempt

Hawks will be bidding for their first ever play-off victory against Dartford tomorrow.
By Simon Carter
Published 24th Jul 2020, 08:31 BST
Updated 24th Jul 2020, 08:31 BST
Josh Huggins (middle) in action for Hawks during their 2-0 home loss to Boreham Wood in the play-off semi-final first leg in 2015. Picture: Sarah StandingJosh Huggins (middle) in action for Hawks during their 2-0 home loss to Boreham Wood in the play-off semi-final first leg in 2015. Picture: Sarah Standing
Josh Huggins (middle) in action for Hawks during their 2-0 home loss to Boreham Wood in the play-off semi-final first leg in 2015. Picture: Sarah Standing

The club have twice previously reached the sixth tier play-offs, in 2006/07 and 2014/15.

They are still seeking their first win after three draws and a home defeat.

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Here, The News looks back at the Hawks’ previous two play-off campaigns.

2006/07

Ian Baird’s side met Braintree in a two-legged semi-final.

The teams had drawn both their regular season games, and again they could not be separated after a pair of 1-1 draws.

In the first leg at Westleigh Park, sub Jefferson Louis struck a dramatic 88th minute leveller for the hosts after Braintree had taken the lead through James Baker on the stroke of half-time.

Ryan Harrison, an emergency loan signing from Forest Green Rovers, was making his Hawks debut due to injuries to Gareth Howells and Shane Gore.

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In the second leg, Braintree again took the lead - this time with a 75th minute goal from James Hawes. And again Hawks left it very later, Jamie Collins burying an 89th minute penalty after a foul on Richard Paquette.

After extra time had been played, Hawks lost 4-2 on penalties.

Brett Poate and JJ Hooper both converted from 12 yards but Luke Byles’ effort hit a post and Jefferson Louis shot over the bar.

2014/15

Lee Bradbury’s Hawks fell behind after only three minutes in their home leg against Boreham Wood, Junior Morais scoring from 20 yards.

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Graeme Montgomery added a second six minutes before the interval against a Hawks side missing Ed Harris and Brian Stock through suspension.

Harris and Stock returned for the second leg, with Brian Dutton bringing Hawks right back into contention with the opening goal.

But the hosts opened up a 4-1 aggregate lead with two quick goals from Ricky Shakes and Lee Angol after the hour mark, and JJ Hooper’s late goal was just a consolation for Hawks.