Preview | East Grinstead Town (A)
By Daniel Shumake
The train keeps rolling…
Surely this match will be a test of the mettle and mental fortitude of a Whitehawk side in blistering form. Now in 2nd, the Hawks visit 13th placed East Grinstead Town.
It is easy to get up for the big games—the top five sides or the cup matches. The best teams keep the same level of focus in every match, especially when on the road.
Whitehawk travel to East Grinstead Town in a tale of two forms. The former sits at the top of the form table, with 15 points out of a possible 18 and a goal differential of +5. The latter squats just one spot above 20th, with 3 points out of 18 and a goal differential of -16. Polarity.
Last time out
Every member of the Red and White faithful was made to work Tuesday night for a crucial 1-0 victory over Chatham Town.
Luke Robinson did what he does in the 11th minute, taking on his man and delivering a peach of a cross to the back post. It hit the back post, and Chats defender Reece Butler provided the intelligent finish to give Whitehawk a 1-0 lead.
Moments later, Rob O’Toole swung one in from the opposite flank. In-form Khris Oti was at the back post to head it home, but the linesman denied Whitehawk the two-goal cushion.
For the remaining 70 or so minutes, it was a back and forth battle. The visitors arguably enjoyed the better of the chances between the two sides. However, all that mattered was Whitehawk took yet another three points at home.
The hosts
A side that certainly cannot be underestimated. Although their form is not where they’d like it to be, East Grinstead have proven they can steal points against top-five competition. They even managed to beat Chatham Town 1-0 back in August.
The Wasps currently occupy a spot two places above where they finished their 2021-2022 campaign (15th).
Manager Andrew Cooney has had a difficult time getting results either at home or away. When travelling, they have lost 10 times, tied for most losses in the non-relegation spots.
Matthew Daniel leads the scoring charts with seven goals this campaign. He is followed closely by Tahjae Anderson, who has six.
Previous encounters
Whitehawk have yet to lose to tomorrow’s opponents since dropping into the Isthmian League South East. Five games have spawned three Hawks victories – all coming at The Enclosed Ground – whilst the two at East Court have ended in 1-1 draws.
The last time the Hawks and Wasps met was in October at the Enclosed Ground. Whitehawk won that match 2-0 with goals from Harry Shooman and Mo Juwara. Let’s hope for a similar result!