Hawks plan to keep on climbing

The visitors are unbeaten in their last four games and lifted themselves out of the bottom three with a 2-1 home win over second-placed Maidstone United.

Two stoppage time goals from Josh Hill and Shamir Mullings completed an amazing turnaround to give the Hawks a massive boost.

Ebbsfleet, who have a 10-point lead at the top, however will present the Hawks with the toughest of tests.

Bradbury, though, believes his team are capable of getting something from the game.

He wants them to build on their momentum.

‘We are on a decent little run and have worked hard to get out of the bottom three,’ said Bradbury.

‘In our last four games we have shown a great work ethic.

‘That will need to continue if we are to have any success at Ebbsfleet.’

New loan pair from Queens Park Rangers, Aaron Mitchell and James Haran, are expected to continue after making their debuts against Maidstone.

Both did well and showed they can be useful additions to the Hawks squad.

Fellow loanee Theo Lewis is injured but wouldn’t be allowed to play against his parent club anyway.

Meanwhile, Bognor will have home advantage in the FA Trophy semi-final first leg after being paired with Grimsby Town.

The first legs will take place on Saturday, March 12, with the return fixtures a week later on Saturday, March 19.

Horndean manager Craig Pearce is expecting a cracking encounter if their Wessex League premier game against AFC Portchester goes ahead at Five Heads Park (7.45pm).

‘Both teams are at the top and both like to get the ball down and play football,’ said Pearce.

‘It should be an exciting open affair.’

The Deans hope their pitch will benefit from yesterday’s sunshine and be dry enough to play on.

The home side are without centre-half Matt Burt who is injured and Jack Mahoney is a doubt due to injury.

The visitors are also without a central defender with Craig Hardy unavailable.

Fareham Town’s game against Bournemouth at Cams Alders has been postponed but for once it isn’t the fault of the weather.

The Reds have not staged a home game for nearly five months and this time it is the visitors who cried off.

‘Apparently most of their players have got tickets for the Bournemouth versus Saints Premier League game,’ said manager Steve Stone.

– KEVIN RICKETTS