By Isaac Gleave

Whitehawk storm into September in fine stead after an unbeaten start to their league campaign.

Victory over Sittingbourne and Littlehampton was followed up with a disheartening draw on Saturday afternoon at Cray Valley Paper Mills, but the Hawks responded impeccably on Bank Holiday Monday as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Three Bridges.

The strong start to the season sees Shaun Saunders’ side settled in second position, two points adrift of Isthmian League newcomers Beckenham Town.

This season has seen a real emphasis on fast starts; all bar one of the eight goals scored have arrived before the break.

 

In his post-match comments Saunders placed emphasis on this, saying: “We spoke about coming out of the traps quickly and, if we could, getting the game put to bed early.

“We started on fire; the first 25 minutes I thought we were outstanding.

“I’m really pleased with them. It was a big win.”

It has been a near-dream start for the former Haywards Heath Town manager who, after being dumped out of the FA Cup by K Sports in the Extra-Preliminary Round, has seen his squad respond in excellent fashion.

On Monday, 422 flocked to the Enclosed Ground on a scorching afternoon and were graced with real potency.

In an opening half that witnessed three goals for the hosts, Joel Daly’s excellent strike from 30-yards put the game beyond all doubt as the Hawks avenged their demons from last season’s bizarre fixture with The Bridges, in a game that witnessed five red cards and plenty of media attention.

The Hawks take a short break from action and return with a venture to Tilbury in the FA Trophy, before returning home the following weekend to host Burgess Hill Town in the league on Saturday, September 17.