Hawks must stand strong in Truro test

Two successive defeats in the last week have sent the Hawks tumbling back towards the drop-zone.

It has been a disastrous week so far for Bradbury’s team who have mainly been the architects of their own downfall.

At Wealdstone they threw away a two-goal lead and against Chelmsford in midweek they squandered a number of early chances in the 1-0 defeat.

As a result, the Hawks find themselves in a perilous position just one point above the relegation zone with only four games remaining.

Bradbury is well aware that another defeat could see his side back in the bottom three.

At the moment his team are not playing well enough for long enough in games to get the all-important wins.

‘They are all big games for us and the players need to show what they are made of,’ said Bradbury.

‘It is important we get to the end of the season knowing we have given everything.

‘We cannot afford to feel sorry for ourselves and go into our shells.

‘It is vital we come out fighting to make sure we stay in this league.

‘I think two wins from our final four games should be enough.

‘Hopefully we can have that done and dusted before the final game of the season against Weston-super-Mare.’

The Hawks will certainly need to improve at both ends of the pitch if they are to give themselves a chance against Truro.

They cannot afford to keep giving away sloppy goals which has cost them dearly in the last two games.

Up front they have to become far more ruthless in front of goal, particularly when they are on top in games.

Fourth-placed Truro will arrive intent on picking up the points that could virtually see them seal a play-off place.

Bradbury knows that the Hawks will be up against a team with plenty to play for.

‘We played very well at Truro earlier in the season but ended up losing 3-0 because they hit us on the counter-attack,’ said Bradbury.

The home side will be without defenders Dan Strugnell and James Haran who are both injured.

Lee Molyneaux did a good job replacing Strugnell against Chelmsford.

n Fans are reminded that the Hampshire Senior Cup final against Winchester City at St Mary’s on Tuesday is an all-ticket affair.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 concessions (over 65 and under 16 years of age). They can be bought at the Westleigh pub.

HAWKS: Young, Molyneaux, Hill, Robinson, Medway, Stock, Donnelly, Barker, Hayter, Paterson, Swallow, Ciardini, Lewis, Mullings, Mitchell, Cummings.