And so, the two sides that fought off the rest of the Isthmian South East to seal promotion face off in the Premier, as Shaun Saunders’ side head to Kent on Saturday afternoon.

With multiple games in hand on those in the play-offs, there’s reason to be optimistic for a Whitehawk side who arrive into this one still with just the one league defeat on the campaign, as they return to league action for the first time in 18 days.

Fresh from their 4-0 FA Trophy over Kingstonian a little over a week ago, the Hawks should be a well-rested, well-equipped side as the battle for the play-offs intensifies this weekend.

The Opposition

There are few tougher tests in this league than playing 90 minutes of football at the home of Chatham Town. A club that, up until only a few weeks ago, boasted one of the best home records in the country, Kevin Hake’s side have found goings slightly tougher this time around, yet still sit satisfied in 4th position, four points in front of the Hawks.

They’ve had some poor results, too, with consecutive 5-1 home defeats back in early September snapping that seemingly impenetrable record at home, whilst their recent run mostly away from home comforts has seen them upended by Margate and Billericay Town. It’s not their best form currently, but the threat they pose in front of goal is inevitable, as a competitive clash awaits.

One to Watch | Jack Evans: In a team inundated with genuine quality, intelligent midfielder Evans is probably the pick of the pile as he continues to captain his Chats with character and class. The 30 year old has been at the club since 2019, and Whitehawk fans will know his capabilities after scoring a scorcher in last season’s 2-1 defeat that all-but secured ‘The Chats’ promotion.

A product of Gillingham’s academy, Evans featured a handful of times for the Kent club, before having numerous spells across the south-east, with Sutton United, Eastbourne Borough, Maidstone United and Folkestone Invicta just a few of his former clubs, as he settles down in Medway looking to lead his side to back-to-back-to-back promotions.  

Recent Form – WDLWD

7/11 | Billericay Town (A) | Lost 2-0

31/10 | Three Bridges (A) | Won 4-2 (Velocity Cup R3)

28/10 | Cray Valley PM (H) | Lost 2-0 (FA Trophy R1)

23/10 | Hashtag United (A) | Drew 1-1

21/10 | Concord Rangers (A) | Won 3-1              

Previous Meetings

The two sides met last season in those gripping affairs, with Whitehawk earning a slim 1-0 win on home soil courtesy of an own-goal. And just a few weeks later the Hawks were travelling to Medway as the season reached its nervy climax, with Chatham claiming a last-gasp 2-1 victory to all-but secure their place in the Isthmian Premier.

Prior to this, the only known clash between the two sides came in 1994, as Whitehawk earned another 1-0 win, this time in the FA Vase. Michael Thomas was the lone scorer on that day, as the Hawks booked their place into the third round of the competition. 

How to Follow

If you can’t make it to Bauvill Stadium on Saturday afternoon, then fear not. For you can follow the action via our X (Twitter) channel, which can be found here.

Tickets

Tickets can be bought at the gate on the day of the game, or online via this link.