Passion, press, polish – that’s been the formula for this Whitehawk team who stride into Sheppey United’s Holm Park in fine stead. Unbeaten throughout September, league action has proved a novelty for Shaun Saunders’ squad who have fought fantastically in the cup competitions.

Ruthless in our previous performance, the goals continue to flow for a club who have found the net on 20 occasions already this campaign – an average of 2 per game. Once unrecognisable on the pitch with a transformed team, it has not taken long for this band of ballers to be sung from the Din End, lauded for their lustre.

Last time out

Running out 4-0 victors in the Velocity Trophy clash with Ashford United in midweek, it sent a statement of real intent with the Hawks tasting defeat on just one occasion all season, and even that came in extra-time…

It was over before it had even began. A blistering bullseye of a drive from Charlie Lambert handed the Hawks an early lead before Rob O’Toole ‘headed’ in the second. Dubious was that, the third was arguably a sterner task for the Dubious Goals Committee as an in-swinging corner found its way in. Calling this one a Stefan Wright goal…he deserves it!

And then it was cruise control. Kai Brown flourishing in the #10 role — linking and clicking the moves — as Joe Shelley scored his fifth penalty of the season in emphatic style to round off a marvellous evening at The Enclosed Ground.

The hosts

Despite the Isthmian South East season starting 48 days ago, ‘The Ites’ have played more FA Cup games than they have in the league, with that cup run ending in an 8-0 defeat by our neighbours Lewes. With focus away from the league, Jack Midson’s side have struggled for consistency – winning one of their four league games.

That win did arrive in their last home game – a 1-0 win over East Grinstead Town. For Warren-Hughes Mfula it’s been a dream start to the season with nine goals already to his name, though just one has arrived in the league.

Once the cup congestion clears Midson will be hoping his side’s fortunes turn as they play two of the top-three in consecutive matches.

Previous encounter

Journey wayyyyy back to excavate an 1Q FA Cup clash between these two sides in Sheppey. All that is known is the Hawks lost 2-0. Chance for redemption, then.