Dagenham & Redbridge striker Oliver Hawkins wants to cause more havoc against Solihull Moors

Oliver Hawkins of Dagenham & Redbridge scoring his first goal at Solihull Moors in September (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

Daggers attacker netted a hat-trick when the sides last met in September

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Oliver Hawkins of Dagenham & Redbridge scoring his second goal at Solihull Moors in September (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Oliver Hawkins of Dagenham & Redbridge scoring his second goal at Solihull Moors in September (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Dagenham & Redbridge forward Oliver Hawkins hopes to recreate his hat-trick heroics from the trip to Solihull Moors earlier this season when the Midlanders visit Victoria Road tomorrow (Saturday).

Hawkins netted three times for Daggers in a 5-2 rout over Moors at Damson Park in September during a rich run of form that saw the 24-year-old net 10 goals in nine games.

And the ex-Hemel Hempstead Town attacker hopes to be

walking off with the match ball again this weekend.

Oliver Hawkins of Dagenham & Redbridge completing his hat-trick at Solihull Moors in September (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Oliver Hawkins of Dagenham & Redbridge completing his hat-trick at Solihull Moors in September (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

“The hat-trick against them in September will give me a massive boost,” said Hawkins.

“It feels like I haven’t scored in ages, but hopefully I can get back among the goals and repeat what I did when we played them last.”

As the striker himself eluded to, the goals have not come as easily since that hot streak earlier in the season, with him netting just twice in the next 11 league games.

It is a spell that has seen the Daggers attacker slip from top spot in the race for the National League’s golden boot to third, 10 goals adrift of the leader, Dover Athletic’s Ricky Miller.

But Hawkins, who has been linked with a January move to the Championship, insists he will soon be finding the net again on a regular basis.

“All strikers go through a period when they don’t score, but also one when they are scoring regularly,” he added.

“At the moment, I’m going through a period where I’m not scoring, but like a good striker I’ll keep on getting in the box, trying to get the chances and the goals will come.”

Should he start on Saturday, it will be Hawkins’ first this month having missed the win at Dover with a back injury, before making his comeback from the bench in last weekend’s FA Trophy defeat at home to Worthing.

In that time, fellow striker Paul Benson has taken his chance to net in both games for his first goals since returning to Daggers in the summer.

It seems, then, that Hawkins might have a fight on his hands to return to the starting XI, but rather than fear the competition, the club’s leading scorer is instead relishing it.

“It’s good that Paul is doing well as I love pressure. I want people fighting for places, making me fight for my place,” he said.

“I’m glad Paul got his two goals, he has deserved them and done really well, but when my chance comes around, I want to take it.”

Hawkins’ recent absence is the second time this season that a back injury has ruled him out after missing August’s trip to Woking, but he insists he is back to full fitness, adding: “I’m feeling fit again, it was just a little knock that put me out for a week or so. I’m fully back now, trying to get back in the team.”

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