Hawks boss Doswell still confident of overhauling leaders Wealdstone after ‘excellent’ game against promotion rivals Slough

Brad Tarbuck on the ball for Hawks at Slough. Picture by Kieron Louloudis

After falling behind on the stroke of half-time, the Hawks hit back with a Jonah Ayunga equaliser midway through the second period.

The draw stretched the Hawks’ unbeaten away league record to 15 games.

Boss Paul Doswell admitted they could easily have won on Slough’s 3G pitch and sliced the gap on leaders Wealdstone to five points.

Alfie Rutherford fires in a shot for Hawks during the 1-1 draw at Slough. Picture by Kieron Louloudis

His side created the better chances to snatch a 10th away league win in 2019/20 in the closing stages.

'It was an excellent game played between two very good sides in very difficult conditions, with the wind and rain having a massive part to play,’ said Doswell.

'That is why we saw two different halves of football.

'In the first half Slough put us under some pressure and second half we did the same.

Jonah Ayunga nets Hawks' equaliser at Slough. Picture by Kieron Louloudis

'It was a fair result between two good sides, evenly matched at the moment, and nothing between us.

'The influence of the wind was huge and anyone who was at the game saw the difference it made in the first half.

'We all knew that we had to defend in that first half.

'It was just so disappointing to concede a goal literally 30 seconds before half-time.

'There was great commitment from both sets of players, which led to a great game considering the conditions.

"Our away form has been nothing less than sensational.

'To not to lose a game come the end of February is a great testament to players and their character.

'We've often been behind away from home as well and managed to come back to win games and draw games.'

Playing into the teeth of the gale, the visitors kept Slough out until the dying seconds of the first half.

After the break the Hawks enjoyed the advantage of the elements and created the better chances.

On 64 minutes Danny Kedwell headed on a Josh Taylor throw-in and Ayunga bundled the ball into the net from close-range.

Doswell remains adamant his men are capable of overtaking Wealdstone and claiming the title.

'When Ian Baird and I won the Conference South with Sutton United (in 2015/16) we were nine points behind Ebbsfleet but won it by three points,' he recalled.

'We have made that point to the players.

'There is still a third of the season to be played and it is far too early to be conceding anything.

'At the same time, we can't take anything for granted and have to keep going game by game.

'Full credit to Wealdstone, they have had a fantastic run - but this is not an easy league to keep winning in.'