The 'tough' task facing Hawks as they bid to keep in National League South title race and extend unbeaten away run against Welling

Paul Doswell's side showed their title bid is still alive and kicking with a 1-0 home win against fellow high-flying team Slough Town on Wednesday.

With table-toppers Wealdstone losing the night before at home to Chelmsford, it narrowed the gap to seven points - although the Londoners do have a game in hand.

Doswell continues to play down his side’s title chances, though, claiming the Slough win only gives Hawks a glimmer of hope.

He believes the next four games will show if his side are realistic contenders.

Three of them are away - at Welling this weekend, at Billericay (who haven’t lost at home in the league) next Tuesday and at Dorking on March 14.

So far away from home, the Hawks have stood up to every challenge thrown at them - winning nine and drawing six of their 15 games.

But fast-improving Welling will present them with another tough obstacle.

‘Welling is going to be a real toughie,’ said Doswell.

‘They have won three, drawn one and lost one since new manager Bradley Quentin has gone in there.

‘He has brought in six or seven new players and got rid of a few.

‘We watched them play Chippenham and know it isn't going to be easy.

‘Importantly, though, we are going there on the back of a win.

‘Also, a couple of players are on the brink of returning to our squad from injury.

‘We have been hampered by injuries to key players all season.

‘Now, we are getting near to having a full strength squad to choose from.’

Doswell hopes to have defender Sam Magri and attacking midfielder Roarie Deacon back in contention.

The latter, sidelined since the end of September, is likely to start with a number of substitute appearances.

‘It is a bonus having Roarie back on the bench,’ said Doswell.

‘He is capable of producing that little bit of magic in the last 15 minutes when opponents are tiring.’

Top scorer Jonah Ayunga may also be close to returning after limping off against St Albans last weekend.

He underwent a scan and his injury is not as serious as first thought.

‘Four more wins should cement our place in the play-offs, so we must go out and try to win every game,’ Doswell added.

‘I am not interested in a point and want to go for all three.

‘We have had too many draws this season and that in the main has been down to poor finishing.’

Hawks are waiting on their appeal to the FA over striker Danny Kedwell's red card against St Albans.

They have supplied video evidence supporting the player, feeling he was harshly treated.

‘Looking at the evidence it is a no-brainer, but you can never be sure about appeals,’ said Doswell.

Kedwell - who has started every league game since the end of September - was magnificent in both attack and defence against Slough and his absence would be a big blow.