Whitehawk Held to a 1-1 Draw at Chichester
Whitehawk extended their unbeaten run to three matches after a battling 1-1 draw against Chichester City on Tuesday evening. Emmanuel Mensah fired the Hawks into the lead just after half-time, but Chichester hit back through Lloyd Rowlatt in a closely contested game at Oaklands Park.
First Half: Promising Start Without Reward
The opening 45 minutes saw Whitehawk enjoy the majority of possession, growing into the game as the half progressed. Imran Kayani caused problems down the left, with his curling cross in the 28th minute clipping the top of the crossbar and bouncing away to safety.
The Hawks came close again moments later, with Charlie Walker and Emmanuel Mensah combining well before Walker’s strike sailed over the bar. At the other end, Whitehawk’s defense, marshalled by Wasiri Williams and Will Seager, stood firm, limiting Chichester to half chances.
The first half ended goalless, but the Hawks looked the brighter side going into the break.
Second Half: Early Goal, Frustrating Finish
Whitehawk started the second half on the front foot and found the breakthrough just two minutes in. A well-worked move saw Emmanuel Mensah fire a low shot into the bottom corner, sending the traveling Hawks fans into celebration.
However, Chichester responded in the 64th minute. A long ball caused confusion at the back, and Lloyd Rowlatt capitalised on a loose header back to Jasper Sheik, slotting the ball into an empty net to level the score.
As the clock ticked down, Whitehawk pressed for a winner. Substitute Harry Bridle made an impact, linking up with Mensah and Walker in the 90th minute, only to see Walker’s effort palmed away by Chichester keeper Kieran Magee.
Will Hendon’s Post-Match Reaction 🎥
After the game, First Team Coach Will Hendon shared his thoughts on the performance:
“The game plan was spot on in the first half. We frustrated them and created chances, but we spoke at half-time about being more clinical. To go 1-0 up and dig in after conceding is a good point on the road.”
Looking ahead, Hendon added:
“Home form will be crucial now. We’ve always been strong at the Enclosed Ground under Shaun, and if we can win at home and draw away, we’ll be absolutely fine.”
Will Hendon first team coach reflects on a good point away as Hawks draw 1-1 at Chichester FC #hawkeye #whitehawkfc @IsthmianLeague pic.twitter.com/L1sLiNmGAt
— Whitehawk FC (@HawksFCOfficial) December 17, 2024
Match Information
- Scorers: Mensah (47′), Rowlatt (64′)
- Venue: Oaklands Park, Chichester
- Attendance: 252
Line-Up
Whitehawk: 1 Jasper Sheik, 2 Charlie Bennett, 3 Chevron McLean ♻️ (77′), 4 Andrew Briggs 🟡 (6′), 5 Wasiri Williams 🟡 (83′), 6 Will Seager, 7 Emmanuel Mensah ⚽, 8 Kai Jennings, 9 Callum Barlow ♻️ (70′), 10 Charlie Walker (C), 11 Imran Kayani ♻️ (87′)
Subs: 12 Harry Bridle ♻️, 14 Charlie Lambert, 15 Josh Nandhra ♻️ (88′), 16 Stefan Wright, 17 Oscar Borg
Looking Ahead
Whitehawk will aim to carry their momentum into Saturday’s fixture at the Enclosed Ground as they take on Hashtag United in the Pitching In Isthmian Premier. Kick-off is at 3:00 PM on 21st December 2024. Join us as the Hawks look to secure three vital points and continue their unbeaten run.
#COYH 🦅
