Del Tobias’ side marched on into the next round of the Isthmian Youth League Cup on Tuesday evening courtesy of a fine 3-1 victory over Lewes at the Dripping Pan.

Few remained from last season’s 5-1 mauling of the same opposition last season, but that similar threat was an absolute constant from the very first peep of the referee’s whistle.

For not three minutes had been played before Kian Nandhra lined up an audaciously acute strike from 30 yards, spotting the ‘keeper off his line, before lifting it over the gloves on its way in.

The Hawks dominated the opening period, slicing through the Rooks’ midfield with utter ease, but soon the balance titled back in their favour. A simple enough pass opened up the Hawks’ defence, and the Lewes forward coolly dinked the ball over James Jones’ frame.

That seemed to give Tobias’ side a new lease of life, and almost reinstated their lead through Rio Quaye and Grey Coleman, but they saw their shots saved and sail over respectively.

With 43 minutes played the lead was re-established. Quaye was alert to pounce on the goalkeeper’s error, sighting the vacant netting as he expertly guided the ball home.

After the restart the Hawks set the tone once again. Robbing and harrying the Lewes defence, Coleman was electric along the right. Swinging in a vicious, low cross into the box, it rebounds off a Rook but clanks the post on its way to safety.

Chances came and went, so much so that this one should have been over midway through the second half. As it was, the Rooks started to come close: a fabulous free-kick slammed against the crossbar, before a shot moments later also collided with the woodwork as the Hawks just about survived.

But on the counter Whitehawk wrapped the tie up in style. Coleman collected his goal, fizzing the ball into the opposite corner from the edge of the box after delightful play from substitute Ollie Newland.

Three almost became four, after Coleman was blatantly felled in the box. He picked himself up, placed the ball on the spot but would see his low-drive well-saved by the Lewes #1.

And that would be the final matter in a dominant Whitehawk display. A collective, cohesive effort from a side that look strong in every position. It’s onto the County Cup on Sunday with Ferring the destination.

But for tonight, just like it was last season, the Hawks annexed the Dripping Pan. That’s eight goals across the two games, with all the signs pointing in the right direction.