It’s another Tuesday matchday at The Enclosed Ground as we welcome in-form Cray Wanderers for an evening of Isthmian Premier Division football.

Charlie Lambert rescued the Hawks once again to record his 10th league goal of the campaign whilst helping his side to a fourth match unbeaten in the competition. It was the same story once again for a Whitehawk side who had to come from behind to earn a point – the ninth time in the past 10 matches where the Hawks have conceded first. 

And as we swivel the spotlight onto Cray Wanderers, they are a side full of confidence and belief following their recent run that has lifted them away from relegation danger, and plopped them in 13th, nine points shy of a play-off spot.

Team News

Lloyd Dawes inches closer to making a return from his injury earlier in the season, whilst Stefan Wright has received some positive news regarding his injury, though will likely be an absentee once again.

Rob O’Toole continues to be assessed for a knock received last Tuesday, but he’ll be pushing for a start after missing out on Saturday.

The Opposition

The weather has stopped this one once already, but we’re fairly confident for football this evening as Cray Wanderers wander down from south London for a first visit in almost four years.

Things were all a little nervy a couple of months ago for Neil Smith’s side, yet they’ve managed to rescue their season and are making excellent strides towards mid-table. The play-offs might seem like an improbable task, but their recent form (unbeaten in their previous seven) shows little sign of slowing.

They’ve been immensely strong at ‘home’ this season, yet their fate should be fine as they look to move into their new ground in fine stead, with plenty to build on following a successful season. 

One to Watch | Anthony Cook

Cray Wanderers boast a fine attacking line, and this section was handed to Gary Lockyer last time we faced off. Cook is the club’s leading goalscorer in all competitions with 10, though strike-partner Lockyer continues to breathe down his neck.

At 34 years of age, his career is slowly moving towards its terminus, but that’s not to say he hasn’t enjoyed a prominent one. Starting out with then-League 2 side Dagenham & Redbridge, Cook found the majority of his success with Chelmsford City, Ebbsfleet United, Bromley and now Cray.

Recent Form – DDWWW

6/1 | Folkestone Invicta (A) | Drew 2-2

11/2 | Concord Rangers (H) | Drew 1-1

17/2 | Cheshunt (A) | Won 1-0

21/2 | Canvey Island (H) | Won 2-1

24/2 | Kingstonian (H) | Won 1-0

Previous Meetings

It was absolutely freezing, if we remember correctly. A bitter night in Bromley saw the Hawks rescue a point in the dying moments despite taking an early lead through Charlie Lambert. Ben Pope levelled late on after a first half capitulation to help his side to a point.

Prior to that, the last meeting was back in 2020, when Cray cruised to a 3-0 win at The Enclosed Ground in the FA Trophy. The last, and only, victory at home for the red corner came in 2013 –  a 2-0 Ryman Premier win, and this was proceeded by an excellent 2-1 win away.

How to Follow

If you can’t make it to The Enclosed Ground for tonight’s clash, then you can follow the action via our X (Twitter) channel, which can be found here.