Hawks drawn away to giant-killers Marine in the second round of the FA Cup

Hawks have been given a superb chance to reach the third round of the FA Cup for only the second time in the club’s history.
Hawks celebrate Bedsente Gomis' winner against Cray Valley Paper Mills. They have now been drawn away to minnow Marine from the Northern Premier League North West division. Photo by Dave HainesHawks celebrate Bedsente Gomis' winner against Cray Valley Paper Mills. They have now been drawn away to minnow Marine from the Northern Premier League North West division. Photo by Dave Haines
Hawks celebrate Bedsente Gomis' winner against Cray Valley Paper Mills. They have now been drawn away to minnow Marine from the Northern Premier League North West division. Photo by Dave Haines

Tonight’s draw paired them with one of the only two lower-ranked clubs left in the tournament.

Hawks must travel to Merseyside to face Marine of the Northern Premier League North West division over the weekend of November 27-30.

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Marine, along with Canvey Island, are aiming to become only the second club from the eighth tier of English football to reach the third round.

The first was Staffordshire club Chasetown Athletic, who achieved the feat in 2007/08 - the same season Hawks were the talk of the footballing world for reaching the fourth round.

Tonight’s draw means Hawks could reach the third round without playing a single team from higher up the pyramid.

They have only once had to play a team from their own level in winning through four rounds - National League South rivals Bath City in the fourth qualifying round.

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Paul Doswell’s side have also beaten three divisions lower Chatham Town, two divisions lower Cray Valley Paper Mills and one division lower Horsham Town en route to the second round for only the second time in the club’s 22-year history.

After beating Isthmian League South East club Cray Valley 1-0 in Sunday’s first round tie, Doswell said he wanted a top League 1 club at Westleigh Park.

If that wasn’t possible, a home draw against a team from either their own level, or a level below, was his preferred choice.

Though he didn’t get his first two choices, at least a trip to Marine gives Hawks a very good chance of making the third round and the chance of drawing a Premier League giant.

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Given Marine’s lowly status - they play at the same level of the pyramid as Moneyfields - there is a good chance the tie with Hawks will be chosen for television coverage.

That would bring with it another cash windfall, with the BBC having paid £12,500 to Hawks to stream the Cray Valley tie at the weekend.

Hawks have already collected £35,347 from winning through four FA Cup rounds in 2020/21.

They picked up £3,375 for beating Horsham in the second qualifying round, rising to £5,625 for easing past Chatham in the third and £9,375 for beating Bath away in the fourth.

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Bedsente Gomis’ first half header against Cray earnt the club a further £16,972.

Another £25,500 awaits the winners of the second round tie, with the loser collecting £8,500.

Marine have already won through six rounds of the FA Cup, starting with a preliminary qualifying round home win over Barnoldswick (2-1) in early September.

They then defeated Frickley (1-0 away), Runcorn Linnets (4-3 on penalties away after a 1-1 draw), Nantwich Town (4-1 at home) and two divisions higher Chester (1-0 away) en route to the first round proper.

At the weekend, they stunned League 2 outfit Colchester United, who play four leagues higher than them. They drew 1-1 in Essex before progressing 5-3 on penalties.