The Hawks will look to put the disappointment of Boxing Day behind them at the first attempt when they host Billericay Town at The Enclosed Ground on Saturday afternoon.

Defeat on Tuesday was Whitehawk’s first competitive defeat on home soil since January. An incredible record, and a particularly tough one to take after a strong fightback that saw a rather comical Charlie Lambert prod through the ‘keeper’s legs, though it would prove to not be enough.

Out of form and in need of a victory can also be said for Saturday’s visitors who, despite only playing three times in December, were defeated in all three matches, two of which were in the league. Gary McCann’s side have proved to be a strong opponent this season, with this their worst run of the campaign.

Team News

In what was a much-changed Whitehawk side for the visit of Lewes on Boxing Day, manager Shaun Saunders certainly has his work cut out as he prepares to welcome one of the strongest sides in the league on Saturday afternoon.

Captain Jack Dixon announced his departure from The Enclosed Ground on Thursday, though he was an absentee on Boxing Day. Rob O’Toole took the armband as he made an instant return, alongside Jaden Perez, who also debuted. Joel Daly was sent off after the final whistle blew, though a question mark hangs over when his suspension will commence.

The Opposition

For the first time this season, Boxing Day saw Billericay Town slip out of the play-off places after chasing the league leaders for much of the campaign. They didn’t play, but back-to-back losses in the league for just the second time this season sees them surrender their place in the promotion pack for a moment.

They’ve games in hand and plenty of points to come for the side who will be looking for a swift return to National League South after a fairly average finish in the Isthmian Premier last time around. They’ve quality in all areas, and a side capable of challenging. The next few months are crucial in deciding their fate.

One to Watch | Bradley Stevenson: Coming in with 18 league goals last season, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder has been a revelation at Billericay Town since joining at the start of last season. He’s the leading goalscorer for his side this time around, too, with an impressive 16 goals in all competitions this campaign.

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 latest home of Billericay Town.

Recent Form – WWLLL

25/11 | Margate (A) | Won 3-1

28/11 | Carshalton Athletic (H) | Won 2-0

2/12 | Wingate & Finchley (A) | Lost 2-1

16/12 | Haringey Borough (H) | Lost 2-1

20/12 | Wealdstone (A) | Lost 4-1 (FA Trophy)

Previous Meetings

The Hawks have the possibility of completing a league double over Billericay Town on Saturday, following August’s surprise 3-1 win at New Lodge that earned Shaun Saunders’ side their first win of the season. Charlie Lambert, Charlie Walker and Joel Daly all found the net inside 45 minutes, with a late Brooklyn Kabangolo consolation rounding off a brilliant afternoon.

Prior to this, the 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. A day to forget, really…

How to Follow

If you can’t make it to the final clash of 2023, then you can follow the action via our X (Twitter) channel, which can be found here.

Tickets

Tickets can be bought at The Enclosed Ground on the day of the game for a £1 additional fee, or you can buy online by clicking this link.