Jude Macdonald’s side were winless after their first three league games, but put that right away at Phoenix Sports last weekend. Penalties either side of half time were duly converted by Lucas Rodrigues and Ahmed Abdulla to give the Hawks a 2-0 win in North Kent.

 

The Hawks dominated throughout, but unlike previous weeks they were able to hold on to their lead and also record their first clean sheet of the season. “It’s been a long time coming,” said Macdonald after the game.

“We were 1-0 up again at half time for the fourth time in a row, and there is always that doubt that it may happen again (fail to win) but we didn’t ride our luck.

 

“I thought we were solid and defensively disciplined, and after a really tough week the squad have worked so hard in training and deserve this result.”

 

Henry Blackmore made his senior debut for the Hawks having come through the youth system, and impressed at right back whilst Luke Emberson also shone playing an unfamiliar left-back role.

 

And Emberson may be playing there for the forseeable future after news broke this week that Harry Shooman has left the club due to work commitments.

“The two boys at full-back are both former youth team captains, and they played really well,” added Macdonald. “They deserve all the praise they will get after today’s performance.”

 

And the Hawks know they won’t be in for an easy game this weekend with Barton Rovers travelling to the south coast sitting in second spot in the Southern League Central Division.

 

Last time out they edged an eight-goal thriller at Daventry Town. Nathan Tshikuna, Connor Vincent and Bradley Bell put them 3-0 up, only for the hosts to recover and draw level. However, late efforts from Dean Dummett and Chris Regis gave them a 5-3 win.