Hawks hoping for more reasons to cheer on the road as they bid to keep National League South title dream alive at Billericay

The Hawks are aiming for more away day joy when they travel to Billericay Town in the National League South tonight.
Jonah Ayunga. Picture: Dave HainesJonah Ayunga. Picture: Dave Haines
Jonah Ayunga. Picture: Dave Haines

Liverpool's shock 3-0 defeat against Watford in the Premier League at the weekend leaves Paul Doswell's side with the only unbeaten away league record in the top six tiers of English football.

It is a proud feat that both the manager and players are keen to keep intact.

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Although Billericay are just one place above the relegation places, they do boast an unbeaten league record at home this term.

Given that fact, Doswell is predicting a tricky test.

‘Something will have to give with both teams looking to defend their unbeaten records,’ said Doswell.

‘Another factor is going to be their pitch.

‘Whilst we have been critical of our own pitch in recent weeks, the pitch at Billericay is horrendous.

‘It is one of the reasons they are so far behind with games.

‘Referees keep turning up and end up calling the games off.

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‘Basically, it is a pitch of rolled mud and something we will need to get to grips with as early as possible.

‘We cannot allow it to get into our heads.

‘It is vital that we adapt but that is something we have shown ourselves capable of doing away from home this season.

‘We are in a position now where if we can win four or five on the bounce, it will put us back in with a chance of catching Wealdstone.’

Losing the game at Welling to the weather at the weekend gave the Hawks extra time to get players fit.

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Jonah Ayunga, who wouldn't have played in Kent, is available, along with defenders Sam Magri and Craig Robson.

Doswell is delighted to have his leading goalscorer Ayunga back, particularly after losing Danny Kedwell.

He starts a three-match suspension after losing his appeal following his sending off against St Albans.

Doswell admitted he was bemused by the verdict.

‘I have asked lots of people involved in football to look at the video evidence,’ added Doswell.

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‘Most didn't think it was even a foul, but we lost the appeal on a 2-1 verdict.

‘We have asked for a written explanation.

‘Danny has been a top player for us since returning from his injury at the start of the season.

‘He is great in both boxes and a superb ball holding centre-forward.

‘We will have to adapt without him but we have the squad to do that.

‘Jonah and Alfie Rutherford will have to come up with the goods in the next three games which are big for us.’

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