So far, so good for Lee Bradbury’s men this pre-season as they have won 5 of their 6 pre-season matches thus far. After a 5-0 defeat to the hands to Portsmouth it has been all hands on pump for the ex Pompey striker’s side including a win against a Category 1 Premier League U21 side in Cardiff.
But it is AFC Totton who will become the latest visitors to Westleigh Park and they shall enter with fear as the roulette of strikers at the Hawks’ disposal enough to stress a top National League South outfit in Eastbourne Borough. Between them this menacing striking force has scored 11 goals in their last two matches against Team Solent and Petersfield Town respectively.
As much as the up front striking options excite the Hawks fans is as reassuring that the back four look solid ahead of the new campaign. It was ultimately sloppy goals that sent Havant and Waterlooville down on goal difference and so far this season they went for a period of 225 minutes without conceding.
AFC Totton however for the Hawks has been a side that they haven’t played since the Hampshire Senior Cup semi final defeat in 2013 and how Lee Bradbury’s side like to wrong a right but with Leiston only two weeks away it will be about work rate for him more than exacting revenge.
In a recent interview with me, he said that he will not be fielding a team in the Ryman League cup. He said that there is “too much travelling in that cup” and that for fringe players, good competition is “on our doorstep”. Frankly who would blame him, two competitions in which last season they won and came runner up in (Portsmouth Senior Cup), why would you throw another competition in when your season being extended enough.
The Hawks also had big news to celebrate when Charlie Searle announced his return from loan from Salisbury and then signing a new two year contract with the Hawks. We’ve not had the chance to speak to Lee about the news but most will feel that this season should be a big season for the young man who seems to never fail to impress.
So then what to expect when 19:45 comes. The Hawks will probably dominate the play and for Totton it is all about weathering the storm and with the sheer numbers of attacking options it’s a monsoon. It will give Lee Bradbury another chance to look closer towards his starting 11 at Leiston on August 13th.
Henry Deacon Media 