Hawks 2-2 Poole Town; Full National League South match report

Havant and Waterlooville were held to a 2-2 draw against Poole Town in the Vanarama National League South on a wet and windy afternoon as Westleigh Park felt the full force of Storm Brian. The Hawks came into the game on the back of the FA Cup disappointment against Maidenhead United a week ago.

Prior to proceedings getting underway Andreas Robinson picked up the September player of the month award with Robbo being named in the starting lineup with the only change from last week’s cup defeat being James Hayter coming in for Jordan Rose.

The wind would be a key factor in the opening with not too many opportunities being created in the early stages. But when the first opportunity fell 20 minutes into the game it fell to the Hawks as some good passing and movement sees the ball played to Rory Williams who tried to play the ball across goal towards Jason Prior but before it could find the in form striker, Hutchins got a good clean connection to it in the Dolphins goal.

Minutes after the Hawks has another opportunity as Tarbuck cut the ball in from the right but his effort hampered by the winds of Storm Brian and blew of course resulting to a goal kick for the visitors.

On the half hour mark, the Hawks would be given a spot kick as Will Spetch was deemed by referee Scott Jackson that he handled in the area and there was only one man who would handle the ball down on the penalty spot and that man would be Jason Prior. Prior would miss with the initial spot following a good save by the keeper but unable to hold it, the Hawks number 9 would despatch it seconds later at the second attempt.

With the Hawks a goal up they were in search for a second in no time at all as Rory Williams would have a go from distance but again the wind factor came into play as it fizzed wide of the mark. But before the first half was complete the Hawks would have another chance as as Tarbuck had a go from a corner but that again would go just wide of goal.

HALF-TIME: Hawks 1-0 Poole Town

The Hawks would be playing down slope in the second half but would have the wind against them as the weather intensified ahead of the second period not that it would dampen the spirits of the 830 hearty souls that came along to Westleigh Park.

And within 5 minutes of the restart Poole Town made wind advantage count as a free kick in the penalty area was half cleared with Matt Neale finding it for Poole Town and he would place the ball home to level the scores and put the game firmly on a knife-edge.

But the Hawks would try and respond as within 60 seconds of conceding they had another opportunity as Jason Prior had an effort on goal but Nick Hutchins comfortably held. Then the game would hit another quiet patch as the wind continued to swirl around the ground, gusts reaching 50 mph were what the players had to contend with.

With a quarter of an hour to go the Hawks were trying to amplify their chances of getting a winner. The Hawks thought they had a golden opportunity when a Rory Williams free kick found James Hayter in the penalty area with his shot deflected by the Poole Town defence.

And it would be the visitors that would find themselves in front with just over ten minutes to go when a slip from the Hawks defence let Warren Bentley in and he would not spurn the chance given to him as the visitors took the lead for the first time in the game.

The Hawks response to the setback came within three minutes as Rory Williams had a free kick following a foul on Wes Fogden from decent range. With him and George Barker the two faces over the set piece the former Brighton man left the duties to Williams who’s effort went just over.

With a matter of minutes left the Hawks would get an equaliser as a Bradley Tarbuck cross finds Jason Prior at the far post who heads it back into play and along to Alfie Rutherford who’s patience is rewarded as the Hawks brought the game back to a Desmond.

The goal ignited the crowd at Westleigh Park, with the atmosphere ramping up a notch as it entered the 4 minutes of injury time. The Hawks were continually trying to get the ball forward and into the penalty area but the Poole defence in their droves would get the ball away.

But the game wouldn’t finish without its bit of controversy as the last action of the encounter saw Theo Widdrington sent off after a challenge on Steve Devlin with the Dolphins player lashing out afterwards but much to Theo and the Hawks’ frustration they would finish what was left of the game with ten men.

FULL-TIME: Hawks 2-2 Poole Town

The Hawks would drop points again the National League South with Lee Bradbury using Tuesday’s start of their Portsmouth Senior Cup defence against Petersfield as a way to reinstall some confidence in the side ahead of a tough away trip to Braintree Town in a week’s time.

Henry Deacon

Henry Deacon previews the biggest game of the Hawks’ season so far as the first round looms.

Havant and Waterlooville are potentially 90 minutes away from the dream factory that is the first round proper of the Emirates FA Cup but before they can dream of that they must try and get past Maidenhead United who have had a great start to life in the National League.

Tale of the tape:

 Maidenhead United as stated in the introduction have had a flying start took life in the 5^th tier even if they have hit the breaks recently. Having beaten the likes of Hartlepool United and Tranmere Rovers already this term and sit above both of those sides in the National League standings sitting pretty in the mid table position of 12^th. But since drawing the Hawks in the FA Cup they have conceded 7 goals in two matches losing 4-0 away to Torquay United and then last weekend drawing 3-3 at home to Aldershot in front of a bumper crowd.

The Hawks go into the tie having drawn 1-1 against Concord Rangers. Although the Hawks’ league form of late has been patchy they have been loving life in the cup with a hard fought 2-1 win at home to Merthyr Town they then beat Hayes & Yeading United convincingly 4-0 in the last round to qualify for this stage.

Head to head:

 Neither side have ever met in the FA Cup under the Hawks’ current incarnation however Havant Town did defeat Maidenhead United twice 1-0 in the competition.

In the last 9 seasons Maidenhead United have only made the FA Cup first round twice whilst the Hawks have made it on one further occasion in the same period. With this year’s cup run being the tenth anniversary from the greatest of them all as the Hawks lost out to Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool at Anfield after leading twice.

Gaffers voice:

 Speaking after last week’s draw against Concord, manager Lee Bradbury said that “we’re in a good frame of mind. We go there and work as hard as we did (against Concord) and show show a bit more quality then we can cause the, problems. It’s a game that is a free hit for us and there’s not many people expecting to see us win so we’ll go to Maidenhead, give it everything we got and see where it takes us.”

Injury news:

 Brian Stock will still be out for a few weeks after undergoing surgery on his knee earlier this week. After a injury in a previous Cup tie against Merthyr Town George Barker is back in the Hawks’ fold whilst striker Alfie Rutherford will also be available after gaining an FA Cup whack himself against Hayes & Yeading.

Ticket & ground news:

 Entrance at York Road is £15 for Adults, £10 Comcessions with Under 16’s getting in for a fiver. The Alan Devonshire suite is open for all supporters tomorrow as fans of both clubs are able to sample their new function room. The stripes bar is also open for a pre match pint with the pub showing BT Sport.

The ground itself is based in the town centre walking past the heritage centre on the right and then crossing the road. The entrance to the ground is clearly signed. Although the main entrance in York Road although there is also an entrance in Bell Street. Programmes are £2 with 50/50 tickets also available for sale.

Media coverage:

 The clubs official radio station Hawks Radio will as always provide their unrivalled commentary as the Hawks try to make the first round. BBC Solene have online commentary along with updates across social media should you not make tomorrow’s game.

In conclusion:

The Hawks head up to play their biggest game of their season against a Maidenhead side who are riding on the crest of a wave following a sensational promotion from the National League South last season. Despite coming into the games as an underdog, the Hawks are determined to prove the bookies and the doubters wrong as they try and head back into the first round proper.

If you can travel up to the game please do as the club would appreciate your support for such a big game for the club.

Henry Deacon

Havant and Waterlooville have progressed to the fourth qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup as they defeated Evo Stik South East side Hayes and Yeading 4-0 at the Skyex Community stadium.
Manager Lee Bradbury gave starts for Alfie Rutherford and Andreas Robinson with Lee Molyneaux making the bench after missing last week’s defeat due to work commitments.
From kick-off the Hawks had a couple of opportunities to try and get the opener as a couple of minutes in Jason Prior had a headed effort cleared off the line by the hosts. The second early chance would come four minutes later as Rory Williams played in Alfie Rutherford but failed to challenge Jack Smith in the Hayes goal. Before the 10 minute mark was up Havant tried to break the deadlock once more as a mele in the penalty area found Jordan Rose whose first effort is spilled by the goalkeeper with no one able to spot the ball with the referee blowing up for a foul on the goalkeeper.
It would take another 15 minutes for the Hawks to create another opportunity as Alfie Rutherford plays a exquisite ball into the Jason Prior but couldn’t find a connection with one seeing the Hawks going one goal to the good. Minutes later a Rory Williams free kick finds Jason Prior on the edge of the penalty area whose cross was cleared by the Hayes defence as far as Robinson who was then deemed to have fouled centre half Tommy Cooney. Seconds later it was the turn of Bradley Tarbuck to try and get the opener as he beat 4 defenders before his effort strays onto the side netting.
It would take 35 minutes for the hosts to have their first meaningful effort on goal as Duku’s free kick from the best part of 25 yards out forced a save out of hawks ‘keeper Ryan Young. 

And just before the half time break the Hawks would have a few more efforts on goal as they endeavoured to go into the interval in front as Jordan Rose played the ball into Ed Harris who failed to connect to the effort with the ball being cleared by the hosts. Seconds later the Hawks were at their attacking best again as the ball from Rory Williams is played into Jason Prior whose volleyed effort goes wide of the goal. 
HALF-TIME: Hayes & Yeading 0-0 HAWKS
The second half started in a controversial fashion as the Hayes and Yeading skipper was sent off for a second bookable offence following a flying challenge between him and Hawks striker Jason Prior with the Yeading man coming of second best being stretchered off the field of play. 
The hawks first opportunity for the hawks came 10 minutes into the second half as Rory Williams played the ball into Alfie Rutherford with the striker seeing the ball go out for a corner. From the resulting corner the ball was punched away by Jack Smith only as far as Rory Williams who volleys the ball sweetly into the top right hand corner to break the deadlock. 
And it would be the breaking of the deadlock that would see the Hawks excert their authority on the game as minutes later the Hawks would double their advantage as Williams crossed the ball into Jason Prior who headed the ball into the back of the net from 12 yards out. Within seconds of the second, the goals would continue to fly in like London buses as Ryan Woodford from a Rory Williams corner headed the ball home to score his first goal of the season from the near post.
A few minutes after the third hawks goal they were once again looking for a fourth but Williams’ effort goes way over the bar. Seconds later Hayes and Yeading had a rare opportunity of their own as Duku got past the Hawks defence but a weak effort would be easily matched by Ryan Young in the Hawks goal.

A hawks double substitution saw Theo Lewis and Alfie Rutherford be replaced by James Hayter and Matt Tubbs. And the two subs would come close to adding a fourth to the Hawks account within minutes of coming on as first Tubbs turns and shoots with the effort cleared by the hayes defence only as far as James Hayter who had his shot cleared off the line.
But Hayter would 15 minutes from time get his name on the scoresheet as the goalkeeper Smith way of his line cleared the ball poorly finding the 38 year old who fired the ball home from all of 40 yards out to send the Hawks fans into delirium. 
Following the goal manager Lee Bradbury would make his final substitution of the game as Dan Strugnell would come on with the 24 year old Hawks legend make his first competitive appearance of the season following a long injury layoff. 
The Hawks would have a few chances in the final ten minutes of the encounter the first of which from Andreas Robinson had a dinked effort that went wide followed in quick succession by a James Hayter headed effort which was saved on the line. 
FULL-TIME: Hayes & Yeading 0-4 HAWKS
Havant and Waterlooville progress to the fourth qualifying round of the competition for the first time since 2015 where the big boys of the National League enter the frey as the likes of Tranmere Rovers, Hartlepool United and Leyton Orient could be the opponents as the Hawks begin to dream. 
Henry Deacon 

Havant and Waterlooville’s FA Cup fourth qualifying round draw will be made on national radio on Monday afternoon from 1PM. The draw which will see the likes of Tranmere Rovers, Leyton Orient and Hartlepool United enter the FA Cup frey will be drawn on the Ray Stubbs show on talkSPORT 2. 

The Hawks progressed to this stage with a convincing win over Hayes and Yeading with four different goal scorers capping off a good all round performance at the Skyex community stadium. 
talkSPORT 2 is available via digital radio, online at tlks.pt/2ListenLive or via the radioplayer app and selecting talkSPORT 2. 
If your unable to listen live we will update you on the draw via the website and social media with the twitter handle @Hawks_FC. 
Henry Deacon

40-1 outsider Mensure suljovic has stunned the Darting establishment by winning the Champions League of Darts at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff.

The 45 year old Austrian had only won 1 PDC title before this weekend defeated Gary Anderson 11-9 in what was a tense final. But it would be the Flying Scotsman that would strike first blood going 3-1 up with minimum of fuss. 

But Suljovic would strike back and would have a purple patch. He would win the last three legs of the first session which meant he went into the break leading 4-3 thanks to his trusty friend in Double 14. Following the break he would continue his form by taking the next two to go 6-3 up before Anderson stopped the rot.

And Anderson would bite back. After making it 6-4 he would break the Austrian and then held his throw to bring the game back level at 6-6. 

But from here the game would become a nip and tuck encounter. Suljovic would stop his barren run in leg 13 to make it 7-6 with a slick 60 outshot on tops. But Anderson would not wilt notching double 10 to send it to 7-7. 

Following the second and final break of the showpiece match Suljovic with the 15th leg in his grasp nearly blew it after missing 7 Darts to win it before finally hitting the double. And from here it seemed the Suljovic could pull away from Scot but Anderson would bring back level hitting double 18 on the end of a 61 out.

The tension was there for all to see with Suljovic slowing down his action before stepping up to the oche and hitting double 5 to take the lead once more. The Austrian just two legs away from his maiden TV title.

By Gary Anderson once again drew level with an exhibition outshot hitting two double tops leaving what was initially a best of 21 into a best of 3. 

But that was where Mensur’s favourite double 14 came to his rescue as two finishes in two legs on the double saw what was a tense but well spirited final end with the darting cinderella story with outsider Suljovic taking home the title and a cheque for £100,000.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the final he said that winning the tournament was “a perfect feeling. I never thought I could win this tournament. Gary is a brilliant player, I have so much respect for this guy. I never gave up.” 

Suljovic joins a list of players such as Kevin Painter and Paul Nicholson in players who have won less than 5 tournaments that include a TV major. The victory will also see him right in the equation for a spot in the lucrative Premier League early next year.
Henry Deacon 

Taylor waves goodbye to Dublin tournament.

11 times World Grand Prix champion Phil “The Power” Taylor has withdrawn from this year tournament. It was announced as the full lineups were announced on the PDC’s social media platforms on Monday morning. It saw the seeding of 4 which Taylor would have had should he participated given to Adrian Lewis.

The 56 year old Potter announced in January that he was to retire from professional darts following the end of the 2018 World Darts Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace over Christmas. 

This means that his first round defeat to Steve West is the last he will play in Dublin a tournament which he won 11 times but his last title came in 2013 when he ruthlessly dispatched of Dave “Chizzy” Chisnall 6-0 in the final with his opponent winning just 2 legs throughout that affair.

The decision means that the champion of 2 years ago Robert Thornton gets a invite after being the highest ranked order of merit player not to have qualified following his slump in form after beating van Gerwen 2 years ago.

But for Taylor he will focus on his last few televised tournaments before his impending retirement at the turn of the year.

Henry Deacon

The Hawks put the disappointments of Tuesday Night firmly behind them as they rise to second place in the Vanarama National League South as Theo Widdrington’s strike proved good enough to defeat the Tigers in horrendous conditions.

The game was nearly in doubt an hour before kick-off as a thunder storm equipt with lightning spells hit the Jubillee Stadium with fans entering the ground packing the bar inside the ground to escape the conditions. The game did go ahead as planned with a couple of changes due to injury seeing Lee Molyneaux amongst others coming into the starting lineup.

The first half got underway on schedule and it would be an even start with one chance a piece in the opening 10 minutes. And it would be the home side that would have the first opportunity as Joe Parker’s effort forced an instinctive save from August Player of the Month Ryan Young. Then 120 seconds later the Hawks had their first effort as Theo Widdrington’s curling effort hit the post.

23 minutes in and play was stopped as what was seemingly an initial clash of heads between Spencer Hamilton and Theo Lewis saw both men leave the field of play. Lewis would be replaced by Barker stating afterwards he “didn’t want to be a passenger” whilst concerns for Hamilton grew as he was strecherd off with both sets of supporters giving him an standing ovation with the Gloucester number 4 being in a good condition afterwards after being seen to in the dressing room.

Conditions grew worse at Jubilee Park as the rain kept hammering down and in the not to distant hills Lightning strikes were visible. Hawks fans who in the first haof were housed in an open terrace took cover where they could with the referee making the bold decision to let the game continue. This lead to some sliding tackles, the like of which saw skipper Brian Stock in the book.

And that would be it for the first period as the Hawks and Gloucester players finally took to the shelter of the changing rooms after getting a first half soaking.

HALF-TIME: GLOUCESTER CITY 0-0 HAWKS

The weather was unsure about whether moonson or sunshine but the second half did get back underway with the pitch holding up immaculately.

And in the same vain as the first half it would be the hosts that would have the first opportunity of the half as Darren Mullings looping header forced Ryan Young to tip the ball over for a corner. Minutes later Jason Prior would come close for the Hawks as he fired goal wards with Avery blocking the ball, going out for a corner.

Then with just under 25 minutes to go the Hawks had their best opportunity yet as George Barker kept running down the left hand side and as he came in towards goal his effort would find the side netting, signalling the closest either side had come to breaking the deadlock.

Around the 70th minute mark Jason Prior went down in the penalty area clutching his head with the referee stopping play. Around the Hawks bench and in the main stand concern grew. With skills the physio treating him, goalkeeper Ryan Young signalled to director Tim Mellor, who is also a qualified doctor to also assist Jason with Tim walking down the tunnel with Jason as Skills returned to the field. He would be replaced by Alfie Rutherford.

The unlikely force of hand by Lee Bradbury turned into a Picasso esque master stroke as within 30 seconds of coming on he finds his way into the penalty area plays it into Theo Widdrington who Cooley slotted the ball home from 15 yards out to give the Hawks the lead with a quarter of an hour remaining.

But Gloucester from the kick-off did have a few half chances but Ryan Young and his super Hawks defence had all bases covered. And it would be their no holds barred attitude at the back which would give the forward line the opportunity to try and seal the game in the final few minutes with the best opportunity falling to George Barker who had his effort kicked off the line by Kieron Parselle.

The Hawks would hold on for a huge three points in the grand scheme of things leaving Lee Bradbury’s troops in second place and their impressive unbeaten record intact with their last away defeat being the 3-0 loss at Dulwich Hamlet on March 14.

FULL TIME: GLOUCESTER CITY 0-1 HAWKS (Widdrington 74’)

It’s a short turnover for the Hawks as they face the leagues surprise packages St. Albans away on Tuesday night with the Hawks clocking up more miles during the early part of the season.

Henry Deacon

Following a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Truro City on Tuesday Night, Havant & Waterlooville hope to get back to winning ways in Gloucestershire tomorrow afternoon as Gloucester City is the destination for the Hawks. 
After a solid start to the league season the Hawks lie in 5th position in the Vanarama National League South and looking to prop further up the table come 5PM tomorrow evening and try to make up for the ground they lost on Tuesday night.

The Opposition:

Following their movement from the North tier to the Southern, the tigers have had a mixed bag as far as results are concerned. Sitting in the mid table positions at 12th they have an equal number of wins and defeats to their name at 4 with a solitary draw in their opening 9 matches of their league season.  

Their manager Tim Harris is looking from an improvement from his side following a 2-0 midweek loss to Chippenham Town although prior to that they did win their last four. Defensively they could have Kieron Parsell and Lewis Hall back among their ranks, training for the first time in the past week after suffering a period on the sidelines.

In the Hawks’ camp:

Manager Lee Bradbury despite the result going in the opposite direction was fairly happy with the performance of his side on Tuesday Night. Speaking to the local press he said that “I am looking for the same kind of performance in Gloucester with just a different result. We have been very good on the road, the goal at Weston the only one we conceded. But ‘I couldn’t have asked any more from my players in terms of energy and work-rate.” 

Defensively with exception of the Truro game has stood resolute with as the manager mentioned has seen only one goal ge conceded away from home. Two players who have been pivotal to that is Andreas Robinson and Ryan Young. The latter’s efforts has seen him win the player of the month for August.
Ticket information:

Tickets are £13 for Adults, £7 for Concessions with children under 12 get in for FREE! There is also no additional charges for stand transfer. Address WR11 2LZ (For Sat Nav purposes use WR11 2LS) 

Conclusion: 

The Hawks will head to Gloucester’s rented home of Evesham FC using the anger & frustration from Tuesday to fuel their fire. Sitting 5th in the league is some achievement considering but the Hawks will not be content with their aspirations being found higher up the table. 

Henry Deacon