A FOOTBALL club drew one the largest crowds in its history – and saw a blackout as power failed just a few days later.

Whitehawk Football Club, saw 613 fans attend a home game against Sevenoaks Town on Saturday, March 26.

It was a huge achievement for the Hawks, as they hosted the non-league day, aimed at supporters of teams across all divisions, at the Enclosed Ground – with a capacity of 2,000.

The event brought with it not only lashings of sunshine, but the opportunity for Whitehawk food bank, with the club working to raise awareness of the cost-of-living crisis hitting Brighton.

The Argus: Whitehawk fans at The Enclosed Ground. Photo: Andy SchofieldWhitehawk fans at The Enclosed Ground. Photo: Andy Schofield

Kevin Miller, vice chairman, and head of commercial and marketing at Whitehawk, said: "Non-League Day is a fantastic opportunity for those football fans who perhaps have not been to a game at their local club, to see how passionate and committed the volunteers are in creating an atmosphere that is fun, friendly, inclusive and accommodating.

“We welcomed our biggest crowd for six years on Saturday, raised over £500 for the Prostate Cancer UK charity, welcomed an amazing local dance group – The Tantrums Kestrels - to perform at half-time, and our incredible community donated three large crates of food and close to £150 for the Whitehawk Foodbank.

The Argus: The Tantrums Kestrels performed at half-timeThe Tantrums Kestrels performed at half-time

“It’s a testament to all the hard work that everyone in east Brighton has achieved, and we hope that those who came along for the first time will return."

Whitehawk walked away from the match empty-handed, as Sevenoaks scored a solitary goal to clinch the three points.

On Tuesday, March 29, the Hawks welcomed Faversham Town to a drizzly Enclosed Ground for a night under the lights – or at least that was the plan.

“Traffic chaos meant that the opposition were delayed, the floodlights failed for ten minutes, and despite the freezing conditions we still had a decent crowd,” said Miller.

The Argus: Half the ground lit up as staff struggled to get the floodlights back in actionHalf the ground lit up as staff struggled to get the floodlights back in action

“In a long season, all scenarios are usually played out, and this season has been no different.”