Whitehawk vs Romford

Recap

Whitehawk 2-1 Romford

Whitehawk came from behind to win 2-1 and progress in the Buildbase FA Trophy against Isthmian League North strugglers Romford.

The Hawks started brightest with a brace of chances after just 3 minutes after Lewis Unwin found Jordan Gibbons out wide, he then cut inside and shot from distance with Boro’ keeper Jack Riddell tipping it behind for a corner, which was taken by David Martin and headed narrowly over by Connor Tighe. Tighe then turned creator 5 minutes later, crossing a delightful ball into James Waters who was in acres of space, though his header bounced off the ground and over the crossbar. Romford had their chance to open the scoring after 24 minutes after Makaki Toussaint got round the Hawks defenders to set up Charlie Little, who’s shot trickled wide. The Hawks should have led a few moments later as a header from Fintan Walsh was hacked off the Romford goal line by their defence, but only as far as Rhyle Ovenden, who was only able to hit the post from 8 yards out. Whitehawk’s chances continued 10 minutes from the half as defender Jordan Gibbons hit a great strike from the far side which was deflected behind for a corner which was cleared by Timi Babalola. One minute from time, the Hawks harshly found themselves behind after a cross from Jimmy Cox was turned by Matias Torres into his own net for an undeserved half time Romford lead.

The Hawks started the second half by immediately coming out of the traps with Jordan Gibbons racing down the near side but was hauled down by Charlie Little for a penalty. David Martin, stand in captain for the day, stepped up and smashed the ball past the Romford keeper for the equaliser. The following 25 minutes resulted in not much going on with both sides battling to keep control of the ball in testing conditions, but the Hawks took the lead after 75 minutes with substitute Lucas Rodrigues teeing up Connor Tighe who made no mistake from 12 yards out. In added time the Hawks could have put the icing on the cake and seal the game, but David Martin’s attempt was blocked by the Boro defence but it didn’t matter as the Hawks were able to stop the rot and start their FA Trophy journey for the 19/20 season.

Hawks: Broadbent, Gibbons, Emberson, Unwin, Walsh, Torres, Ovenden (Deda 78’), Kissock, Waters (Rodrigues 70’), Tighe (Jubrill 88’), Martin © – Subs Not Used: Munt, Blackmore

Boro: Riddell, Toussaint, Barlow, Cossington ©, Brown-Bampoe, Woodward (Kessell 64’), Babalola, Cox (Sumithran 78’), Little (Palmer 68’), McLeavy, Agbola – Subs Not Used: Nesbitt, Tranter

Goals: Martin pen 49’, Tighe 75’ (Whitehawk); Torres O.G. 44’ (Romford)

Yellow Cards – Gibbons (Whitehawk); Barlow, Cox, Little, Woodward (Romford)

Attendance – 267

Hawks Man of the Match – Connor Tighe