Hawks boss Doswell: I don’t see any reason why we can’t carry on

Hawks players mob Dean Beckwith after his dramatic late winner at Dorking. Picture: Kieron Louloudis | Freelance

A defiant Paul Doswell was happy to see the Hawks’ National South game against Dorking Wanderers go ahead despite the coronavirus threat.

He was even happier when a last-gasp goal gave his side a 2-1 win to extend their phenomenal unbeaten away record to 17 games.

The win cut the gap behind leaders Wealdstone to just three points with eight games left to play after the table-toppers were held 1-1 at Chippenham Town.

Doswell admitted, however, that in the present climate he wasn't sure when these games will be played.

Hawks players clap the travelling fans after victory at Dorking. Picture: Kieron Louloudis | Freelance

'I am not one of those people for hiding under tables and buying extra toilet rolls that’s for sure,' he remarked.

'The government advice up until now is to carry on as normal.

'With that in mind, I think we should crack on and keep playing football

'We have a massive game against Dartford at Westleigh Park coming up next weekend.

Craig Robson in possession at Dorking. Picture: Kieron Louloudis | Freelance

'I am hoping the league don't stop that happening.

'They were strong this weekend and I don't see any reason why they can't carry on like that.

'We had 1,500 people at the game today and they all enjoyed the football.'

The Hawks had to come from behind to beat their play-off chasing hosts.

Dean Beckwith wheels away after his dramatic late winner at Dorking. Picture: Kieron Louloudis | Freelance

In the early stages it was the visitors who started on the front foot as Wes Fogden and Jonah Ayunga forced good saves from goalkeeper Sam Howes.

It was the home side, though, who broke the deadlock on 37 minutes and unsurprisingly it was ex-Hawk Jason Prior who found the net.

Niall McManus delivered an excellent cross and Prior guided his header past Ross Worner.

Doswell wasn't happy with the first half display.

Wes Fogden is tackled during Hawks' win at Dorking. Picture: Kieron Louloudis | Freelance

'It was a strange atmosphere when we got here after everything in the news the last few days,' he remarked.

'In the first half I felt we were slow, a bit lethargic and our minds seemed to be elsewhere.

'At half-time the players were reminded of what they have achieved and the importance of not throwing it away in the second half.

'As a result, they regained their motivation and focus.

'I thought we dominated the second half.'

On 53 minutes the Hawks wasted a golden opportunity when Sam Magri sent a tame spot-kick straight at the goalkeeper.

Brad Tarbuck in possession at Dorking. Picture: Kieron Louloudis | Freelance

The former Pompey defender therefore became the FIFTH Hawk to miss from 12 yards this term after Roarie Deacon, Simon Walton, Anthony Straker and Danny Kedwell.

Six minutes later, however. they hauled themselves level.

Josh Taylor and Alfie Rutherford combined to give Nicky Bailey an easy close-range tap-in - only his second league goal of the season and his first since netting at Tonbridge in August.

With the game heading towards a draw, the Hawks snatched a dramatic winner deep in stoppage time.

Bradley Tarbuck delivered a corner and Dean Beckwith was on hand to head in.

'This win makes a real difference,' said Doswell.

'It keeps us chipping away at Wealdstone's lead.

'We still have eight games to play and have more than enough in our squad to do it.

'The players should be very proud of going 17 games unbeaten away.

'Our support was brilliant and I think we had nearly 300 here.

'At the end I felt that they sucked the ball into their net.'