Swallow and Stock could boost Hawks

The Hawks got back to winning ways at home, after successive defeats, with a 3-2 victory against Hendon.

Manager Bradbury is expecting his team to build on that result with another success.

They also have the added incentive of wanting to turn the tables on the visitors who beat them earlier in the season.

Captain and midfield general Brian Stock is expected to be fit.

Stock was forced off by injury at half-time against Hendon and in his absence the team lost a bit of shape.

‘We missed our captain in the second 45 minutes last week,’ said Bradbury.

‘He is someone who could put their foot on the ball and control the game.

‘His vast experience was there for all to see.

‘He has been there and done it all and particularly when we went a goal behind against the run of play he kept everyone calm.

‘His ability to take up good positions when we didn’t have the ball was crucial.

‘Between now and the end of the season his experience is going to count for a lot.

‘In the last couple of years we have missed him for big games at the end of the season because of suspension.

‘That is something he has curbed this season without taking anything from his game.’

The Hawks also welcome Ben Swallow back into the squad following his one-month loan spell at National League South Margate.

Some were surprised when the exciting winger was allowed to leave because on his day he can be a match winner.

Bradbury, however, felt that the Welshman needed to get some games under his belt.

‘Ben wanted to be playing games and that is natural,’ said Bradbury.

‘I believe he will come back as a much sharper and hungrier player.

‘He is chomping at the bit to get involved again.

‘Even if he doesn’t start he can still come on as an impact player.’

The Hawks showed character in the Hendon game to hit back with three quick goals after going behind.

It showed the awesome firepower they possess when they get it right going forward.

By half-time they could easily have had five or six goals.

Instead they conceded on the stroke of half-time and were never the same after the break.

Bradbury will be looking for a more complete performance against Merstham who in good form.

George Barker is set to miss out with a calf injury.

Hawks: Young, Strugnell, Harris, Woodford, Williams, Stock, Carter, Lewis, Prior, Rutherford, Paterson, Hayter, Tarbuck, Fogden, Molyneaux