Whitehawk are fit for anything – after Richard Hill started putting them through their paces.

The Hawks boss has worked hard to improve stamina levels while also trying to keep his men fresh for league action.

He reckons an 84th-minute winner at Welling last week is evidence the effort is paying off.

Hawks have the third best record in National League south since Hill took his first training session at the club in September.

A record of 12 points from five games is bettered only by Dartford, with four wins out of four, and Maidenhead, who have won five out of five.

Hawks aim to keep climbing when they they host Margate today.

Hill said: “Training sessions have been a lot better. They are more competitive now. They are virtually at match pace, which is important.

“Fitness levels are getting better. I thought they were poor when I first got here.

“The lads I brought in had stopped playing, they hadn’t done a pre-season and they had basically retired.

“And I thought the lads who were already here were poor in terms of fitness. I think they would tell you their fitness was not what it had been in the past – and how much they have improved.

“Playing games helps their fitness but you have to be careful.

“I’m not a fitness coach but I think we need training sessions with real intensity for 20 or 30 minutes. If you start beasting them, it will be counter-productive.

“It’s a hard one at the minute because we need to balance it. But we scored a late goal at Welling and we finished the game strongly even after that.”

Hill has little idea exactly how far his side can progress but he is confident there is more to come from them.

He said: “Six of our starting eleven have worked with me before but the others have bought in to what we are trying to do and are taking on board what I am asking of them.

“We are still working on things I want us to do with and without the football.

“I like players to play with a bit of freedom but I always like them to have a good base of stopping the ball going in our goal.”

Hawks have defender Marvin Hamilton back in training after a hamstring problem but big changes against Margate are not expected.

One significant development for fans who do not travel will be a first look at on-loan striker Chris Assombalonga.

The Dagenham and Redbridge frontman was bright in the league win at Welling.

Hill was flattered to be approached by veteran Daggers boss John Still, who wants his player to get game time.

He is in regular contact with Still while Hawks midfielder Glen Southam regularly trains at Dagenham.

Hill said: “It means John trusts you with his player and I take that as a compliment. John brought him in from non-league but sees him as a player with potential.

“He has got pace and he gives us something different. He’s 25 but he is still raw and learning the game.”

Sergio Torres (ankle) remains a doubt for Hawks.

Whitehawk have confirmed their FA Cup first round tie at home to Stourbridge next Saturday will be strictly pay on the day with no advance tickets available.

Prices will be as for league games, which is £12 for adults and £7 for concessions. There is free admission for under-12s.