FA Cup Third Qualifying Round - Whitehawk vs. Hendon

The Enclosed Ground from a hill side on the way to the bus.

The first time I saw Whitehawk play was in an incredible game in the extra preliminary round when they lost 4-3 to Croydon at The Arena. I chose to watch Whitehawk again in the FA Cup hoping for a repeat. Their opponents Hendon are in the Ryman Premier while Whitehawk are in the Southern Division and so there is the potential for a shock. Whitehawk are experiencing their first season in the Ryman League following their Sussex County League triumph the previous season.

The sheep on the hill side gather for kick off.

The game has a scrappy opening until the hosts manage to force a few chances. The centre forward manages to break through but his touch lets him down and the Hendon goal keeper is able to collect the ball. Hendon take the lead from their first proper attack. Whitehawk lose the ball in their own half and they are punished as Hendon take the lead slightly against the run of play. Whitehawk struggle to recover from this setback but get a way back in to the game, five minutes from the break when they are given a penalty for a foul on the edge of the box. The penalty is converted and the teams go in level.

The Whitehawk equaliser.

The second half starts much like the first with neither team having a strangle hold on the game. Hendon retake the lead when a shot from distance hits both posts and the Hendon forward is left with the easiest of tap ins. This prompts Whitehawk to push forward and switch to 4-3-3. This formation change almost works as Whitehawk force enough chances to actually win the game. They harshly have a goal disallowed and miss several other chances. In the last minute Hendon are reduced to ten men but they manage to hold on.

First half action looking towards the clubhouse and main stand.

As with the Clapton game, I arrived quite late so didn't sample any pubs near the ground. There are a lot of pubs near the station or in Brighton Town Centre. The clubhouse has just been redeveloped and the external caterers provide the best food I've ever had a football ground. The nearest station is Brighton, where you can take the 21 bus to near the ground. However, I couldn't find the bus stop near the station and on the return the bus terminated 10 minutes away from the station. The taxi on the way to the ground cost me eight pounds. Despite these minor problems the ground is worth a visit for the setting and the food in the clubhouse.

The Hendon faithful behind the goal.

This game was featured in the FA.com's 'Road To Wembley' feature and a video of the match action can be found at http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2010/Whitehawk-Hendon-report

The only other cover at The Enclosed Ground.