From the Manager

“It is going to take a miracle for us not to make the playoffs”- Paul Doswell after The Hawks’ 1-0 triumph over Billericay Town at New Lodge. 

Tuesday night was one of huge celebrations for The Hawks as they managed to end Billericay Town’s formidable undefeated home record in the league this season. 

The three points was one of huge significance for the visitors as they climbed up to 2nd in the table, and five points behind leaders Wealdstone in the National League South. 

Manager Doswell said that he was proud of the sides crucial win on the road: “It was a very important win; I understand by looking at their Twitter today that they haven’t been beaten here in midweek for two years. 

“I think that really shows what a fantastic performance it was from the players, full of grit, determination and not wanting to get beat.” 

Doswell was also impressed by the goal scored from Jonah Ayunga, who picked up the ball on the edge of the box before firing it into the top corner of the goal. 

“It was going to take a wonder goal to settle the match because, the pitch tonight is virtually unplayable really and that was probably the one moment of massive quality all game. 

“Junior [Tiensia], has made a driving run and then played a great ball into Jonah. It was his first touch which set him up for a great left footed shot and I have to say he gave the keeper no chance. 

“I think that is his 20th goal of the season now so he’s been on fire for most of it, and it was a special, special goal. 

“His first half performance was a fantastic centre forwards performance, with us missing Danny Kedwell.” 

The gaffer went on to mention how his side have great character, when playing away from Westleigh Park and that has been on display for the majority of the season. 

“I don’t think we lack confidence, especially away from home, we have an incredible record of 10 wins and six draws now. That’s 16 games unbeaten and that is a credit to the players in the dressing room. 

“The biggest regret this season for all of us would be that we didn’t get our home form better over the last 10 weeks, but like I said all we can do is just keep going and go game by game. 

“For me that’s three points closer to getting to the playoffs and like I said if you can’t win it then you have to try and finish second or third and that is the goal for us.” 

Doswell reflected on the league table and insists that although he believes that The Hawks are still in contention for top spot, Wealdstone are still in control. 

“It’s Wealdstone’s to lose at the end of the day, there is still 10 games to go and I think if they win six of those then they are going to win the league so it’s there’s to win but it is going to take us a five to six game winning run. 

“That is what Wealdstone did at the start of the season, they were incredible, they went and got 11 or 12 wins out of 13 they’ve been up there all season and deserve to be. 

“The season is a long season and we have got a slight hope and we had not hope two weeks ago, I had written us off really and then it was a question of making sure after St Albans that we stayed in the playoffs. 

“The door is slightly a jar which makes it interesting but the biggest thing at the moment is making sure we finish as high up in the play-off spots as we can. 

“Looking at other teams now it is going to take a miracle for us not to make the playoffs. Teams are going to have to win seven or eight of their last 10 games to catch us.” 

The Hawks boss concluded the win against The Blues with an insight into the next game when Hampton & Richmond make the trip to Westleigh Park on Saturday. 

“Gary McCann is someone I talk to on a very regular basis, I think he is one of the best managers in this league with what he’s done with Hampton and the budget they’ve got is incredible. 

“Tactically he is very, very good. Him and I have competitions about naming opposition players, and he can name everyone. 

“He will have them extremely well prepared to come to us, they need to win as well to keep their playoff hopes alive and we need to win if we are going to keep our ‘winning the league’ hopes alive. 

“We’ve got some tough games with Hampton and Dartford, away to Dorking and that is my point, I don’t think there is an easy game in this league which just shows what a quality league it is. 

“To go unbeaten in 16 of those games is some achievement. The last thing from me before I shoot off is the magnificent 15 or 16, we had here tonight, I mean that is some slap. 

“It took us 3 hours to get here again all the players, all of us went over to them all individually and they’re a credit to this football club, an absolute credit and we heard them. 

“They made their voices heard and as I said it gives you a buzz to be able to go up to them at the end and reward them with a hard fought away win. “

By Liam Rice (@Liam_Rice9)

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