Whitehawk Show Grit Despite Narrow Defeat to Chichester
Whitehawk FC 0 – 1 Chichester City FC
By Jonathan Ani
Despite the overcast skies and a tough run of form, a passionate crowd of 410 filled the Enclosed Ground on Bank Holiday Monday to cheer on Whitehawk as they looked to end a three-game skid. In what many consider a budding Sussex rivalry, the Hawks welcomed Chichester City — affectionately nicknamed the “Lilywhites” — for a spirited Isthmian League clash.
The visitors opened the encounter brightly, peppering the Hawks’ defence with a series of long balls. But the hosts held firm, showing resilience and commitment in the early stages. The first golden chance fell to Whitehawk’s in-form forward Callum Burrows in the 16th minute. After winning a tough aerial battle, Burrows found himself one-on-one with the Chichester keeper — only for a cruel bobble on the pitch to deny him, with a last-ditch tackle from centre-back Ryan Davidson preventing the opener.
Just six minutes later, Chichester took the lead as Lewis Rustles coolly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner following a pinpoint delivery from the wing. The visitors found some rhythm down Whitehawk’s left side, where youngster Sunny — making his senior debut — showed promise but was tested repeatedly, eventually earning a yellow card for a committed challenge.
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Despite the scoreline, Whitehawk’s keeper Joseph Osaghae was immense throughout the first half, commanding his box with authority and pulling off a series of vital saves — including a spectacular close-range stop from Isaac Bellows that kept the scoreline at 1-0 going into the break.
The second half saw a noticeable shift in momentum. Managerial adjustments brought fresh energy to the Hawks, who returned to the pitch with renewed intent. The pressure began to mount, with the home side forcing Chichester into a string of errors and set pieces. Callum Burrows continued to impress with his hold-up play, acting as the focal point of Whitehawk’s attack.
The Hawks came closest to equalising when captain Jordan Maguire-Drew unleashed a thunderous free kick that cannoned off the crossbar, drawing gasps from the crowd and panic in the Chichester ranks. The hosts dominated much of the second half, with Chichester dropping deeper and switching to a defensive back five to hold onto their slender lead.
Tensions flared late on as Charlie Walker received a red card for a rash challenge, reducing the Hawks to ten men in the final minutes. Undeterred, Whitehawk pushed forward with urgency, with Harry Briddle sending in a teasing cross that narrowly evaded its target in the dying moments.
At full-time, the scoreboard showed a narrow 1-0 defeat — but the performance told a richer story. Whitehawk’s second-half dominance, spirited fight, and the emergence of young talent like Sunny left fans with much to be hopeful about.
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Importantly, results elsewhere brought relief: with Hendon FC falling 5-1 to Potters Bar Town, the Hawks are now mathematically safe from relegation. Sitting ten points clear, Whitehawk can head into their final fixture away to bottom-placed Bowers & Pitsea with pride, confidence, and a chance to end the season on a high.
A strong finish in Essex would cap off a testing but character-building campaign — and send the squad into the summer with their heads held high.
Thank you for all your amazing support this season! On to 2025/26!
