Shaun Saunders’ Whitehawk are back in action this Saturday as we hit the road to Essex, locking horns with Billericay Town.

Going in search of that coveted first victory in the league, it’s a stern test for Saunders and Co. with ‘The Ricay’ unbeaten after three matches, collecting three 1-0 wins in the process.

Defensively resolute and clinical in attack, it’s been the perfect to start life as Billericay boss for Gary McCann after taking over at the end of last season following the sides’ 10th place finish.

But for Saunders and the rest of his management team, they will take plenty of solace in their teams’ start after those back-to-back draws on home soil that told very contrasting tales. 

The Opposition 

Three games, three goals, three wins. It’s been a satisfying start for McCann and his men after victories over Kingstonian, Cheshunt and Cray Wanderers — the latter two arriving away from their home of New Lodge — as they look to continue their impressive form over Whitehawk on Saturday afternoon.

First half specialists, all three of their strikes have not only been scored by three different players, but they’ve also all come before the break.

It’s Billericay’s second stint in the Isthmian Premier following their relegation from National League South in 2021, and last season’s mid-table finish is certainly something to build on as they look to reinstate themselves in the division above.

One to Watch | Bradley Stevenson: Coming in with 18 league goals last season, the 24-year-old attacking midfielder has been a revelation at Billericay Town since joining at the start of last season. 

A product of Gillingham’s youth academy, Stevenson featured three times for ‘The Gills’ during his time there, before heading out on loan to various parts of the county. More recently he was at Welling United in National League South, before heading over the QEII Bridge to his new home of Billericay Town.

Last Meeting

Hmmm, how to put this lightly…

The Hawks’ last meeting with Saturday’s opponents was back in 2018, when we journeyed to New Lodge for a FA Cup Third Round Qualifying clash. It ended 9-1 in favour of the hosts, Jason Williams adding the very definition of a consolation late on.

Not the finest omen, but at least a good chance to diminish those historical woes.

Stat: The Hawks’ last defeat in Essex was 1,665 days ago, in a 3-0 loss at Brightlingsea Regent!