The Hawks take a trip down to Devon to take on Torquay United for the final game of the season.
However, interim co-manager Cliff de Gordon previewed the game by saying: “This is kind of like a dress rehearsal for the way we want to play next season. The players are 90% there, and when we add a few more players into the mix we will be there.”
Hawks’ last time out:
Last time out the Hawks took on promotion-chasing Braintree Town in the final Westleigh Park game of the season.
The first half was uneventful, with neither side being able to find a goal. This was not the case in the second half. Braintree took no time to get going in the second spell, putting pressure on the Hawks. It didn’t take long for the Hawks to buckle, with Worner giving away a penalty for whipping out Shaquille Coulthirst, who calmly stepped up and slotted away his spot kick. This made the score 1-0 for the visitors.
This early goal made the Hawks step their game up a gear. Before long, captain Jake McCarthy volleyed in a cross from close range that smashed into the back of the net, drawing the Hawks level. The Hawks firmly took control of the game after their goal, creating several chances and applying pressure to the Irons’ back line. However, this dominance made the Hawks’s back line lose focus, making them vulnerable on the counter.
Coulthirst took advantage of this later on in the game, breaking through Brendan Wilson and McCarthy to find himself with a clear path to goal. Coulthirst only had Worner to beat, and sent the veteran goalkeeper the wrong way, nestling the ball in the net. The final score was 2-1 to Braintree Town.
On a positive note, on his first start for the Hawks 17-year-old academy prospect Preston Woolston was awarded man of the match. He put in a great display, bossing the midfield and outperforming players much his senior.
Words from the touchline:
After the game interim co-manager Cliff de Gordon had this to say: “Braintree, very good team, and we matched them most of the game.
“We had Preston playing today, he’s only 17 and part of our U-23s. He’s got man of the match, a tremendous performance by Preston.
“We’re playing with a patched-up team so I can’t knock them today. We have nothing to play for but these lads keep going out and trying to win every game. I can’t ask them for anything more.”
The Opposition:
In midweek Torquay United secured their safety with a win against relegation-threatened Taunton Town. The Gulls were 2-1 victors, thanks to first-half goals from Brett McGavin and Asa Hall.
Following their relegation from the Vanarama National League last season, the Gulls have had an extremely turbulent campaign. The Gulls spent most of the season sat in mid-table but were handed a 10-point deduction for entering administration in March. This former EFL side tumbled down the table and into a relegation fight.
The Gulls currently sit in 18th on 50 points, mathematically safe from relegation with one game left to play.
The Gulls form:
Taunton Town 1-2 Torquay United
Bath City 1-0 Torquay United
Truro City 1-2 Torquay United
Welling United 1-0 Torquay United
Torquay United 3-3 Weston-super-Mare
Head-to-head:
Earlier this season the Hawks welcomed Torquay to Westleigh Park for the first time. The Gulls returned to Devon with all three points in tow, thanks to goals from goals from Theo Williams and Bradley Ash.
Ticketing:
Tickets for our trip to Torquay can be purchased online or on the turnstiles. However, we recommend fans book their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. As an extra incentive, fans who book their tickets online before the matchday will receive a £2 discount on each ticket.
Supporters travelling to the game can book their tickets HERE
Where to follow:
Tune into Hawks Radio to listen to live commentary of the game from Josh Verroken and Les Hyson: https://hawks-radio.mixlr.com/
Match Updates will also be available on the Hawks Social Media channels: