MATCH PREVIEW: WHITEHAWK VS BOREHAM WOOD

Six Pointer In Sussex,

by John Mead.

The festive season signals the official start of the six pointers for us , given our current League standing. Our hosts are one of five teams stuck on fifteen points at the foot of the table alongside us, making this an extremely important tie for both sides.

This will be our first ever visit to The Enclosed Ground which lies in the greater Brighton area. Whitehawk have enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks, given that just five seasons ago they plied their trade in The Sussex County League. Their first season in the Ryman League South saw them reach the play offs, losing out on penalties to Leatherhead in the semi-final.

However the next season they won that League, before making it back to back promotions earning their place in The Conference South. It is rare for a side to adjust immediately to life at this level as our recent history shows and The Hawks are also finding the going tough. They have not won any of their last eleven ties, although they have picked up six draws. Meanwhile they have enjoyed some success in knockout competitions, reaching the Second Round of the F A Trophy for the first time in their history. That run ended on Monday night, when they bowed out 3-1 to Havant And Waterlooville after earning a draw at home.

It is seven matches since we last won in the League so a tight encounter is expected. One to watch is leading scorer Danny Mills who has netted eight times this season whilst operating behind the forwards.

On our player front congratulations are due to Luke Garrard who completed his 150^th start last weekend in the 1-1 draw with Weston Super Mare. Luke had been an ever present force in our recent successes both on and off the field. Luke is just as effective playing in front of defence as he is when asked to slot into the back four. His presence and talismanic attributes are just as noticeable when he is unavailable when out through injury, joining Ian on the bench in his role as Assistant Manager.

Some of Luke’s most memorable appearances were last season when he dragged himself on crutches into the technical area, kicking every ball and disseminating his technical know how to the team!

Good luck to Luke, Ian and the boys this weekend!

Whitehawk v Boreham Wood.

Saturday December 21^st, kick off 3pm.

The Enclosed Ground, East Brighton Park, Wilson Avenue, BN2 5TS.