On the 22nd August 1998, the new look team beat Chelmsford City 2-0 to begin a new era in the Club’s history. The team duly won the Southern League Southern Division, earning promotion to the Premier Division at their first attempt. With success came more financial backing and £500K was spent to bring the ground up to Conference standard. The Club had now improved both their Stadium and fan-base as the local community flocked to see their local heroes in action.

In 2004 the Club were part of the new restructuring of the Conference South.

Season 2006-2007 witnessed the highest placing for the Club, earning a play-off spot. A hard fought Semi-final against Braintree Town ended with the Hawks remaining in the Division.

Season 2011-2012 witnessed excitement of a different kind as the Hawks escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth, an extra time 93rd minute goal was badly needed to ensure that Conference football remained at Westleigh Park.

The last 16 years have seen the Club consolidate as an established member of the Blue Square South. With the game of football changing in the past few years, mainly due to financial matters being tightened up at all levels, the business side of all Clubs has become paramount. Fortunately the Club has been very prudent in this area and any money that has been made has been carefully re-invested in the Club as a whole; not just on the playing staff.

The Club can now boast a public house, The Westleigh, situated next to the ground. The stadium still retains its Conference ‘A’ Standard and is often viewed jealousy by visiting directors. The Club is working towards making the Club fully self funding with long-term security the ultimate aim.

The philosophy of the playing squad has changed over the past couple of seasons. Younger talent was sought out, backed up by some quality experienced Older heads to help establish growth of the squad year on year. 2005-2006 saw the Club Launch its Academy in conjunction with South Downs College.

It is the Clubs impressive Cup exploits that has really captured both local and National attention as we have earned the un-official title of ‘Cup Specialists’.