Capitalising on home comforts in glory bid
Coach Collins wants Westleigh to be a fortress - with help from fans
Coach Jamie Collins challenged Hawks to complete an unbeaten home league campaign and enhance their quest for promotion.
Hawks entertain Oxford City tomorrow in what will be just their second fixture at Westleigh Park this term.
Not since the 3-0 openingday National League South triumph over Welling have Hawks played in front of their home fans.
Collins is calling on the club's following to come out in force.
And the player/coach insists supporters have a big part to play all season to help the team achieve the ideal scenario of going unbeaten on home (artificial) turf.
Collins said: ‘It’s obviously good to be back, having three away games on the trot is never easy, but to have won three games and only lost one - it’s not been a bad start.
‘Any team who has been successful has always had a good home record.
‘We’ve only played once at home (so far) and won 3-0, so we’re hoping that we don’t lose any at home this season.
‘The fans can play a big part in that when they get singing and all that, it gives the lads a boost, so hopefully on Saturday we get a few through the gates.
‘We want our fans to be as loud as possible to intimidate away teams. Obviously, being here previously, I know they can do that.’
Hawks, sitting fourth with three wins from four matches, welcome an Oxford side who have lost one and won one of their first five league games.
Collins is certain the hosts are in for a tough afternoon.
He added: ‘Oxford City have got some very good players, they’re a tough team, hopefully they (Hawks fans) come out in their numbers and we can get the result they’re looking for. ‘Every manager will say it - every game is tough in this division, but to have four of your first six away - with the games we’ve had in there as well - it’s not been ideal.
‘You’ve got to play them (top teams) at some point and so far we’ve done okay, but we need to push on again.’
Collins (hamstring) and long-term absentees Benny Read (shoulder) and Godfrey Poku (ACL) are currently the only three squad members ruled out.
Got a sports story? Email sport@thenews.co.uk
We’ve played at home once and won 3-0, we’re hoping that we don’t lose at home this season Jamie Collins