HAWK’S SAFE, BUT DENIED BY DART’S TOP PERFORMANCE

By Johnathan Ani

Around 486 people were in attendance at the McLaren Enclosed Ground on Saturday, as Shaun Saunders’s men entertained current league leaders Dartford, as eager Darts fans filled a coach and travelled to the coast for the day, hopeful of victory. For the Hawks, Jordan Maguire was hoping to maintain his good current form,  as well as a fan favourite Emmanuel Mensah, who was returning from a recent a groin injury. Dartford’s ex-Hawk Duane Acheampong posed the biggest threat from the Kent side.

The opening 20 minutes was action-packed with both sides causing threats. Hawk’s Callum Barlow lead all of the attacks throughout the opening minutes, almost scoring from a great run through the left and a shot that went just wide of the near post. A physical game between the two, the Darts were having most possession on the ball after 35 minutes, but this strong Whitehawk side is known for their defensive tactics, with Emmanuel proving the fans right with a strong midfield performance. The former Luton Academy player Charlie Walker gave The Hawks their best chance of scoring from a set piece, with unfortunately no end product, and it ends goalless at half-time. Dartford however showed why they were top of the league and had the most success in the first half, as the Hawks frustrated and disrupted, conceding a lot of set pieces. 

Both sides came out firing for the second half, with the Hawks Ultras keeping the atmosphere lively. However, after multiple attacks on goal Dartford took the lead in the 62nd minute when substitute Olly Box edged home from a scrappy passage of play. The Darts began to assert their dominance from then on, as the pace slowed with the away side looking comfortable in possession.  The Hawks kept pressing however, but with limited success. In the final 5 minutes, the Kent side pressed the rugged Hawks defence with chance after chance, but to no avail.  

Happy Birthday to Hawks Mascot Harry!

The result meant an away win for Dartford, and two points clear at the top of the Isthmian League with three to play, with a tough promotion battle next up with top play-off challengers Dover Athletic at the Princes Park stadium on Good Friday.

For the Hawks, with results going their way it meant that they are guaranteed Premier League Football for next season, and can start to prepare for their 80th Anniversary next term.

The final home game of the season for The Hawks is on Bank Holiday Monday, April 26, where the visitors will be Chichester City. Tickets are available HERE.

(Pis Andy Schofield)