Whitehawk 2-1 Romford

Whitehawk came from behind to win 2-1 and progress in the Buildbase FA Trophy against Isthmian League North strugglers Romford.

The Hawks started brightest with a brace of chances after just 3 minutes when Lewis Unwin found Jordan Gibbons out wide. He then cut inside and shot from distance with Boro’ keeper Jack Riddell tipping it behind for a corner, which was taken by David Martin and headed narrowly over by Connor Tighe. Tighe then turned creator five minutes later, crossing a delightful ball into James Waters who was in acres of space, though his header bounced off the ground and over the crossbar.

Romford had their chance to open the scoring after 24 minutes when Makaki Toussaint got round the Hawks defenders to set up Charlie Little, whose shot trickled wide. The Hawks should have led a few moments later as a header from Fintan Walsh was blocked on the goal line as far as Rhyle Ovenden, whose close-range shot was superbly saved by Riddell.

Whitehawk’s chances continued ten minutes from half time as Gibbons hit a cross shot that was tipped round the post by Riddell. In the next attack Liddell once more dived full length to tip away a Lew Unwin effort. From the corner, Liddell again performed heroically, saving Walsh’s effort at point blank range. One minute from time, the Hawks harshly found themselves behind after a cross from Jimmy Cox was turned into his own net by Matias Torres.

The Hawks started the second half by immediately coming out of the traps with Gibbons racing down the right to be hauled down by Little for a penalty. Dave Martin, stand in captain for the day, stepped up and finally beat Liddell, who dived the wrong way.

The following 25 minutes resulted in little goal mouth action with both sides battling to keep control of the ball in testing conditions. Hawks took the lead after 75 minutes with substitute Lucas Rodrigues skipping past Boro skipper Danny Cossington on the by-line to tee up Connor Tighe who made no mistake with his right foot from 12 yards out. Rodrigues then had a chance to seal the game but Riddell denied him when clear through on goal.

Hawks could have put the icing on the cake in added time, but Martin’s attempt was blocked by the Boro defence.  It didn’t matter as the Hawks were able to halt a run of three defeats and start their FA Trophy journey for the 19-20 season.

Hawks: Broadbent, Gibbons, Emberson, Unwin, Walsh, Torres, Ovenden (Deda 78’), Kissock, Waters (Rodrigues 70’), Tighe (Jubrill 88’), Martin (c) Subs Not Used: Munt, Blackmore

Boro: Riddell, Toussaint, Barlow, Cossington (c), Brown-Bampoe, Woodward (Kessell 64’), Babalola, Cox (Sumithran 78’), Little (Palmer 68’), McLeavy, Agbola. Subs Not Used: Nesbitt, Tranter

Goals: Martin pen 49’, Tighe 75’ (Whitehawk); Torres O.G. 44’ (Romford)

Yellow Cards: Gibbons (Whitehawk); Barlow, Cox, Little, Woodward (Romford)

Referee: Andrew Connor

Attendance: 267

Hawks Man of the Match: Connor Tighe