The Hawks cruised into the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy with a hard-earned 4-2 victory over fellow Isthmian League South East side Corinthian.

Looking to return to winning ways after Tuesday’s 0-0 stalemate at Lancing, manager Shaun Saunders was buoyed by the return of Joel Daly and Charlie Lambert, as the former started on the wing opposite to Kai Brown, who made his first start for the Hawks.

On a chilly afternoon in the depths of the Kentish countryside, it was the team from Sussex that romped into a convincing first half lead. Daly marked his return with a goal inside 17 minutes before Joe Shelley recorded his fifth of the campaign by converting from the spot. And the opening half rampancy was sealed on the stroke of half time when Brown used his pace and precision to slot beyond Daniel Colmer in the Corinthian net.

With thoughts of the next round already creeping into the minds, the Hawks began to take their foot off the gas a touch and found themselves in danger of throwing it all away. Oliver Box buried the ball into the netting to hand a lifeline to his side on 63 minutes, until the warning signals were sounding loud as Oscar Housego scored 15 minutes from time to unsettle the smiles.

But Whitehawk remained strong, remained resilient and claimed victory in the final fleeting moments when Will Miles thundered home a header from a Charlie Harris corner. Vintage Hawks, that’s another on a fine start to the season. Saunders’ side shall discover their opponents for the next round on Monday, and swiftly prepare for Tuesday evening’s visit of Ashford United as football finally returns to The Enclosed Ground with some Velocity Trophy action.