It’s been a while – 19 days to be exact. But here, finally, mercifully, in just a few days time the Hawks return. And it’s a Boxing Day bout in Three Bridges.

So, to set the scene, here’s a few words from the manager ahead of Monday’s game:

“It’ll be a difficult one, as always. I’ve said many times that there are no easy ones — especially away from home — so I’m expecting a tough one but one that we’re relishing because we’ve had this little bit of a break.

Two weeks ago we went to Chichester and were really short of players and patched up but it’s given us time to get a few back so I’m really looking forward to Monday’s game.”

And when asked about whether the break was a benefit to his side, Saunders replied:

“Yeah I do, definitely. Purely because the week leading up to the frost and the break, we had three or four injuries that ruled players out of the game at Chichester that all come back into contention on Monday so yeah, it’s definitely helped us. It’s given us a chance to regroup.

We haven’t stopped training. We’ve been actively busy training and preparing and it’s given rest time into those that really needed it. If the games had been coming thick and fast we might’ve forced players back a little early and it could’ve hurt us further down the line

So the break’s been handy. It’s been a recharge for us.”

Saunders has been busy adding to his squad with the addition of Bermudan international Luke Robinson. The pacy, tricky winger joins from Worthing and will go straight into the Boxing Day squad. And upon his arrival, the manager said:

“Luke [Robinson] adds quality. He’s a real good player of real quality. I had him at my previous club so I know Luke really well, I know that the fans are going to love him. He’s a real exciting player so we’re buzzing to have him back on board.

Not only do we gain a few back, we add Luke who is a player of real quality that’s dropped leagues to come here. I think everyone’s going to be excited by Luke and I’m really chuffed to have him on board.”

Kick-off at Three Bridges’ Jubilee Field is at 1pm as the Hawks look to overcome their recent dip in form with a victory that would complete a first league double of the campaign.