Isthmian League

Preview | Lancing (H)

The Hawks return home for some Valentine’s Day action beneath the bright lights by welcoming neighbours Lancing to The Enclosed Ground.

Arriving on the back of a three-game unbeaten record, Whitehawk’s grip on the playoffs positions still remains strong after a 1-1 draw at lowly Faversham Town on Saturday afternoon.

Shay Leahy made his first league start for the Hawks and impressed in the midfield, whilst Harry Shooman was taken off early due to injury, meaning Joel Daly had to slip into the defence.

Newly arrived full-back Sam Egole has yet to make an appearance for the Hawks as of yet, and Nathan Cooper returned to Saturday’s bench after missing out with the previous three games through suspension.

Last time out

It was to Kent once more for Shaun Saunders’ side as the table’s lowest club in Faversham Town welcomed the Hawks to the Aquatherm Stadium.

In the reverse fixture Whitehawk hit ‘The Lilywhites’ for six, but this was a team completely changed from that October affair.

Fighting for every point and pound, Faversham’s Jacques Kpohomouh cancelled out Will Miles’ (or was it Alfie Rogers…) header in just two minutes after the Hawks had opened the scoring.

Frustration once more for a side in Whitehawk who have struggled on their travels in recent weeks, walking off the field feeling it was two points dropped after Toby Ajala was dismissed for a high elbow in the 66th minute.

The visitors

Bring your sunnies, it’s the yellow army of Lancing that steam into Whitehawk on this romantic evening, and they arrive in fine verve after a string of strong performances in recent times.

Since former Brighton and Leyton Orient winger Dean Cox took over in mid-December, it’s been a breath of fresh air after following four wins from the five home league matches Cox has been in charge of.

Arriving into this one on the back of consecutive 2-0 wins over Hythe Town and Corinthian respectively, they are a side involved in many a goal – 28 scored in total in their previous seven outings – it’s ironic that the one 0-0 Lancing have had this season was in the reverse fixture back in September. 

Both Tyrone Madhani and Reece Hallard currently claim the club’s golden boot with six goals apiece, whilst tricky winger Mo Jammeh is one to watch with his quick-feet and electric pace.

Previous encounters

The last meeting between the two sides ended in a goalless draw at Lancing’s Culver Road back in September, when the Hawks were met with the impenetrable Alieu Secka in the opposing net.

And he was between the posts in both fixtures last season, as Lancing claimed a shock 2-1 victory early in the season at The Enclosed Ground before a last-gasp penalty from Ollie Munt in the reverse fixture rescued a point for Ross Standen’s side.

Secka will likely be back between the sticks tonight, as the Hawks go in search of a first victory over the sprightly goalkeeper from The Gambia.

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