Bradbury: Hawks stood tall under intense Chesterfield pressure

The result stretched the Hawks unbeaten run in the Vanarama National League to three games.

It also ensured they stayed out of the bottom four on goal difference.

After edging a goalless first half the visitors had to endure a relentless bombardment in the second period.

The home side introduced two giant strikers and also introduced Sam Muggleton with his long throw-ins for the final 15 minutes.

Muggleton can throw the ball further than some players can kick it.

Ball after ball was hoisted into the Hawks area but the defence stood firm.

Goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski, who had been outstanding all game, made sure his side got their reward in stoppage-time.

The youngster once again frustrated the hosts with a remarkable double save.

Bradbury felt his side were good value for their point.

The Hawks boss said: '˜It was land of the giants at the end and they made us defend.

'˜We did it to a man and players put their bodies on the line for the shirt.

'˜They tried to wear us down with 60-yard throws into the box and we were just trying to stay in the game.

'˜We were put under intense pressure but stood up to it.

'˜It shows the character we have in the squad because we could easily have folded but didn't.

'˜Defending is a big part of the game and we did that very well.

'˜It wasn't a classic to watch and we have played better and lost this season.

'˜A point is a good point here against a team who have just come down from the Football League.

'˜Sometimes it is not about how you played but more about the rest.'

The Hawks created the better chances in the opening 45 minutes.

Alfie Pavey really should have given his side the lead on the stroke of half-time.

He got behind the home defence for a clear run on goal but a poor first touch allowed the goalkeeper to collect.

A goal then would have dealt a huge psychological blow to the home side.

Their fans were already on their backs and they went off at half-time to a chorus of boos.

Alex Bradley almost broke the deadlock at the start of the second half.

His deflected shot from the edge of the area looped up over the goalkeeper and dropped just over the crossbar.

After that it was backs to the wall for the visitors as Chesterfield laid siege to the goal.

On at least half a dozen occasions Hawks defenders bravely threw themselves in where it hurts to make the block.

Late in the game Dudzinski tipped a goal bound shot onto the crossbar and recovered quickly to block again at the foot of his near post.

Bradbury added: '˜We defended for our lives and it was a very professional performance.

'˜Ben's save at the death was fantastic.'

Hawks: Dudzinski, Strugnell, P Robinson, Cordner, Williams, Tarbuck (Woodford 89mins), Stock, A Robinson, Bradley (Leeflang 65mins), Pavey, Rutherford (Kabamba 85mins).

Attendance: 4,082