Hawks target league double over Dorking Wanderers in attempt to keep alive National League South title hopes

Hawks are eyeing a National League South double over play-off chasing Dorking as they look to pile the pressure on table-toppers Wealdstone.
Roarie Deacon. Picture: Dave HainesRoarie Deacon. Picture: Dave Haines
Roarie Deacon. Picture: Dave Haines

At the same time, they are also intent on maintaining the only unbeaten away record in the top six levels of English football.

Back in August, Paul Doswell’s men romped to a 6-0 win against the Surrey side at Westleigh Park.

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It was one of the Hawks’ most impressive displays of the season on a slick, almost perfect playing surface.

Seventh-placed Dorking possess a 3G pitch and Doswell believes this will suit his side, who have won 10 and drawn six of their 16 away league matches this term.

‘We watched the video of the first game during the week to remind the players what they did well,’ said Doswell.

‘On the night, we scored some fantastic goals.

‘Recently, we have had to adapt our game because of the heavy pitches.

‘Playing on the 3G should be helpful.

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‘Dorking have done well since coming up and will be there or thereabouts for the play-offs.

‘We will need to be aware that they are probably smarting from the heavy defeat at our place.

‘They will be going all out to redeem themselves.’

With Roarie Deacon back in contention following his long-term injury - he has been out since the end of September - Doswell has a virtually full strength squad to choose from.

The one absentee is striker Danny Kedwell, who sits out the final game of his three-match suspension awarded for a controversial red card in the home loss to St Albans.

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Doswell is pleased that he has good competition for places heading into the business end of the campaign.

One player who has fought his way back in is veteran defender Dean Beckwith.

The experienced centre-half, 36, has been mighty impressive since getting back into the side.

He has played a big part in helping his team keep three successive clean sheets.

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Doswell appreciates the quality of a player he also had with him at Sutton United.

‘Dean has been magnificent for us,’ added the Hawks' manager.

‘There is no doubt that he found himself out of the side for nearly two months.

‘He didn't moan but kept working hard to win his place back.

‘That is the type of character that he is.’

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Another plus for the Hawks is the return to goalscoring form of striker Jonah Ayunga.

After suffering a mid-season dip, the Kenyan has started to hit the net again and is the top scorer in the league with 17 goals - including four in his last five appearances

‘If Jonah can keep it up for the final nine games then we have a great chance,’ said Doswell.

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