Chippenham Town vs Havant and Waterlooville, Saturday 27th January- 15:00
The Hawks will look to regain their winning form when they travel to Wiltshire to take on mid-table Chippenham Town this Saturday.
The Hawks lost 4-1 in a frustrating game when they travelled to promotion chasing St Albans City on Tuesday. St Albans took the lead early on in the game against the run of play, but Ryan Seager scored an equaliser just before the half time whistle blew, making the score 1-1 going into the second half. Both sides started the half strong, but it was the Saints who were able to make it 2-1 in the 67th minute. The Hawks kept pushing, but St Albans found goals in the 89th and 93rd minute, making the final score 4-1.
In their last game out Chippenham Town drew 1-1 with Torquay United. Torquay took the lead in the first half, but the Bluebirds fought back and found an equaliser through Matt McClure in the second half.
A win could bring the Hawks level on points with 21st placed Eastbourne Borough. The team will also be aware that if fellow strugglers Dover Athletic are able to beat Slough Town, then the Hawks could find themselves bottom of the table.
Opposition form:
Chippenham Town 1-1 Torquay
Aveley 2-2 Chippenham Town
Bromley 1 (4-2) 1 Chippenham Town
Chippenham Town 3 (5-4) 3 Westbury United
Chippenham Town 2-3 Hemel Hempstead Town
Head-to-head:
The Hawks last took on Chippenham Town on the 12th August at Westleigh Park, where the Bluebirds came away 4-2 winners in a chaotic game. The Hawks took an early lead, but McCarthys red card allowed the visitors to score two before the end of the first half.
Nat Williams was sent off after receiving a second yellow just before the end of the first half. However, this didn’t stop the Bluebirds from scoring two more in the second half. Billie Busari scored a late consolation goal, capping off a disappointing result for the Hawks.
The Hawks and Bluebirds have met 10 times, with The Bluebirds narrowly taking the advantage with 4 wins to the Hawks 3. have 4 wins while the Hawks have 3. This is often an entertaining mate, with 5 out of the 10 games seeing 3 or more goals.
Ones to watch:
A player Hawks fan should keep an eye out for is veteran striker Matt McClure. McClure recently joined the Bluebirds from Vanarama National League North side Gloucester, where he scored 9 goals in 27 appearances.
Also worth keeping an eye on Grant Freddie, the Bluebirds defender who was named man of the match in his last match out.
Team news:
Jake McCarthy remains unavailable as he continues his injury rehabilitation. The skipper said during a club interview that: “I’m feeling strong and hoping to be back soon. I’m doing my separate rehab in the gym and doing everything I can to get back out there and help the team out.”
Sam Matthews also remains on the side-line while he recovers from his long-term injury.
On Thursday afternoon, it was announced that Callum Kealy re-signed for the club from Eastbourne Borough to bolster the Hawks attacking options.
Ticketing:
Chippenham Town are currently only accepting tickets on the turnstile, there is not a way to purchase tickets in advance:
Adults- £15
Concession*: £11
Junior (16-18): £5
Child (5-15)**: £3
*Concession= senior citizens, students with a student card and serving Armed Forces personnel with a valid ID card
** U16’s FREE when accompanied by a paying adult
Where to follow:
Tune into Hawks Radio to listen to live commentary of the game from Josh Verroken and Les Hyson: https://hawks-radio.mixlr.com/
Match Updates will also be available on the Hawks Social Media channels:
X: https://twitter.com/HWFCOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hwfcofficial/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HWFCOfficial