Theo Widdrington has joined Havant and Waterlooville on loan for the season ahead. Posting on his Twitter feed he said that he’s “happy to join the Hawks” as well as “looking forward to this season and it’s challenges”.
Theo Widdrington on Twitter
Theo is a first year professional at Portsmouth who last season skippered their under 18 academy side. At 18 years of age he mixes experience and youth. He also played in the Hawks’ last two pre-season matches against Horndean and Sutton including a scintillating 40 yard effort against the former on Tuesday night.
Hayato Yoshida has joined the Hawks on a permanent contract. The news was broke by chairman Derek Pope on Hawks Radio during their coverage of the Horndean game on Tuesday evening.
Yoshida joined the Hawks on trial this summer and has become already a firm fans favourite in a way in which no trialist has done before. The hardworking Japanese University student was also involved in the Hawks’ 4-3 win over Horndean last night.
Commenting on the contract Lee Bradbury said that “We want to get him in he’s an infectious player and as a person. I think he adds something to us, we need numbers and he’s a local lad who wants to prove a point and he loves the Football club, being around it and I think he’s a good signing for us.”
The club welcome Hayato to the club and look forward to seeing him develop throughout the season.
Henry Deacon
Havant and Waterlooville came out of Five Heads Park as 4-3 victors but Lee Bradbury first to admit defensive errors cost the Hawks against the Deans. The Hawks would be buoyed by the news that chairman Derek Pope announced during Hawks Radio’s commentary that Hayato Yoshida has joined the club on contract after a successful loan. Widdrington would continue to play for the Hawks with Prior and Rutherford being the front two.
It would be the Hawks who would have the better of the opening chances as link-up play between Jason Prior and Wes Fogden being a key pattern emerging across the park in the opening 15 minutes. It started off with Prior, who in acres of space played the ball out to Fogden, the former Pompey star turned and takes a shot which would go out for a corner. A minute later Fogden would find himself on the edge of the penalty area crosses the ball into Theo Lewis who would head wide of the far post.
After a flurry of chances the Hawks would break the deadlock after 20 minutes when played was being built from the back and when moved forward went out to Wes Fogden who then unleashes a cross unto the penalty area which finds Prior who would use his height to head the ball into the top righthand corner. The Hawks a goal to the good.
The quarter of an hour that followed would be the Theo Widdrington show as the Pompey man who recently signed his first professional contract would trouble the Horndean defence. First of a shot from range hitting the ‘keeper then playing the ball into Theo Lewis with his extravagant bicycle kick going out for a corner. But Widdrington would not just rubber stamp his presence on the game but his presence in greatness as the ball being played in the middle of the park, Widdrington picks up the ball and then from all of 40 yards out has a go and would hit the centre of the net sending Five Heads Park into a frenzy.
HALF TIME: HORNDEAN 0-2 HAWKS
A beautiful red sky on a Tuesday night at Five Heads Park and it would be more than just the shepherds that would be delighted with what was for the neutral the most sensational of second periods.
The Hawks had the first meaningful chance of the second period six minutes in as Andreas Robinson played the ball into Alfie Rutherford with the 18-year-old heading the ball just wide of the post. But it wouldn’t take long for the Hawks to open their goal scoring account for the second half as James Hayter plays the ball into Matt Tubbs who heads the ball into the top-right hand corner to make the score 3-0.
At this point game over you think? Well Horndean has other plans as a matter of ten minutes later the blue touch paper of this match well and truly ignited as substitute Horley with the ball from 25 yards out takes a shot and it slots past Ryan Young in the Hawks goal to reduce the arrears to two goals.
The Hawks would respond straight from the kick-off as Matt Tubbs has an effort on goal but would be saved by second half ‘keeper Tindall. But with ten minutes to go the goals rained in. Horndean would reduce the arrears to one after Lee Molyneaux tried to pass the ball to Ed Harris but instead of finding his teammate found the path of Horndean’s Humble who puts the ball into the bottom left to bring it back to 3-2.
But a matter of four minutes later and with five minutes to go the Hawks would go two clear of Horndean as Hayter crosses the ball into the penalty area and the ball is bundled into the back of the net by a Horndean player. What could have been the concession for Horndean would be the reigniting as their never say die attitude continued to shine through as Humble would once more find the net and would in some style as a 25 yard rocket would pass Ryan Young’s goal.
FULL-TIME: HORNDEAN 3-4 HAWKS
Post-match Lee Bradbury said that the defence was “bitter sweet for us, I think the first half we were very dominant, passed the ball very well and scored some good goals, a lot of good movements and then second half we thought we could do what we want but we can’t. We’ve got to do things properly or we’ll get what we got in the second half. Horndean went for it in the second half and we didn’t defend properly and I’m not happy about that”.
The Hawks’ next test is against Moneyfields on Saturday at Westleigh Park a shrewd last pre-season test for Lee Bradbury’s side as he face Dave Carter’s outfit who in their first Southern League 1 season are looking brightly at their chances.
Lee Bradbury has been faced with a massive injury crisis
Portsmouth duo Theo Widdrington and Jez Bedord have rejoined the Hawks ahead of their Tuesday night clash against Horndean at Five Heads Park. The duo who recently signed their first professional contracts at the League 2 champions started for the Hawks and lasted the full 90 minutes in their 5-2 home friendly defeat to National League side Sutton United.
Lee Bradbury has been facing somewhat of an injury crisis ahead of their return to the National League South this season. Bradley Tarbuck, Jordan Rose, Dan Sturgnell and Brian Stock are all still out but Bradbury hopes that all but the latter are available for Chippenham Town on the opening day.
However Mike Carter could make his way back into the lineup after he pulled up ahead of the friendly against Farnborough 9 days ago.
Hawks host Horndean at Five Heads Park tomorrow night with the club announcing that tickets for the fixture will remain at £6 for Adults and £3 for Concessions. The bar is open pre-match with food and hot/cold drinks available inside the ground itself.
I am delighted to announce that I am joining the team on Express FM’s Over the White Line show on Wednesday evenings. The show presented by Neil Stock gives local clubs the opportunity to get much needed radio coverage.
I will join the team as the reporter for Havant and Waterlooville FC. Every week I will be speaking to Lee Bradbury and the players along with occasional chats in the boardroom. I will also be in the studio on occasions analysing the Hawks and the rest of non league football.
I would like to thanks everyone who has helped me get to this point of which I couldn’t of done it without. I would in particular like to thank Havant and Waterlooville FC who have helped me tremendously over the past 12 months and hope our good relationship continues long into the future.
It’s a close call this year but here are my tips for Blackpool success!
The World Matchplay kicks off tomorrow at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens and what is the tightest and strongest field in the history of the competition, I look at the runners and riders in this years event:
“It is hard to bet against the World Number 1 Michael van Gerwen, he has that same auora that Taylor has back in his prime where even top players can collapse at the altar when they hear the strains of Seven Nation Army. He seemingly wins everything despite the standard and the depth of threats being at its highest in the history of the sport. Gary Anderson will be looking to reverse a one semi-final record in Blackpool and is a threat wherever he goes. I think one man we are not talking about too much ahead of these championships is the flambuoyant Peter Wright. Winner of the UK Open in March and missed match darts against MVG to win the Premier League final a few months later. If he can produce his best then the best in the game may test the bitter sweet pill of defeat this week.
Phil Taylor goes into it as my tip and this is the reason why. When Taylor is truly motivated for something and he looks energetic he hardly loses. Look back to the Champions League last September the attitude he had for that considering the Auntie Beeb factor saw him lift the title and destroy the Green machine (van Gerwen) twice in a matter of days. If he feels the same in Blackpool only the World number 1 can wrestle the trophy away from him.
As an outside bet and a dark horse Michael Smith would be that name. He is starting to get into some decent form at a good time and a recent pick for 3 World Series events will only ever boost his confidence. He is along with Chizzy the best scorer in the game, however it is his finishing that’s often his downfall. If he can finish like he scores then he will take some stopping.”
The World Matchplay is LIVE on Sky Sports Action and Main event from 22-30 July.
Darts Forum: MVG is the reigning World Matchplay champion
It’s one of Darts’ most iconic events at one of Darts’ most iconic of venues. But this year’s World Matchplay will be the last for its most iconic champion. The belle of the Blackpool ballroom fifteen times Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor will be looking to call time on what is his ‘favourite’ event in Blackpool as a champion for a 16th time, matching his imperious World Championship haul. Despite being the King of the Winter Gardens, he has not won the Matchplay since demolishing Michael van Gerwen in the final three years ago for what was then an 8th successive Matchplay, leaving the Dutchman in tears.
But it will be that Dutchman who he will try to wrestle the trophy from, after he defeated the Potter 18-10 in the final last year. As World number 1 and the reigning champion in each of the majors except the UK Open he is the man that every dart player has in their sights. The first man in his sights is a former Lakeside World Champion in Stephen Bunting. The Bullet just a couple of years ago was a Premier League player and will need to produce that premier class if he is to topple the World Number 1 at the Winter Gardens. Should he get through a potential date with Simon Whitlock is on the cards in the last 16.
Gary Anderson, the former back-to-back World Champion has never won the Matchplay and victory this week would mean he would become the third man after Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen to lift the triple crown of big televised majors. He opens up also against a former Lakeside champion as he faces Dutchman Christian Kist. A fellow scot looking for glory is the flamboyant Peter “Snakebite” Wright. After missing 6 darts to win the Premier League in May, he will be trying to show the darting circles that his UK Open triumph in March is no one-off fluke. He faces a banana skin against the ‘Jammie Dodger’ James Wilson, who may well be feeding of the crumbs of the World number 3.
Laurence Lustig: Lewis reached the Matchplay final in 2013
Two other former finalists in this competition looking for glory is Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld. Lewis has been drawn the most mouthwatering of the first round ties as he faces veteran Steve Beaton, who is in hot form following a recent pro-tour success. Barneveld was runner-up in Blackpool in 2010 and he too faces a game that could go to extra time as he faces the talented Yorkshireman Joe Cullen.
Rob Cross is being spoken about as the dangerous floater in the field in this week’s competition, despite only being on the tour for only six months he has jumped into the World’s top 50 in what is a two-year rolling money list. He faces a tasty tie against the king of the Diamond Dab Ian White, who has used the power of social media to improve his popularity amongst fans. The other non-seeded player to look out for is Daryl Gurney. Runner-up in last week’s US Darts Masters in Las Vegas, he will be looking to go one better in Blackpool and he starts his campaign against 15th Seed Benito van de Pas.
Laurence Lustig: Taylor is a 15 time World Matchplay champion
As the tournament develops some tasty match-ups are in the offing as early as the second round. Should Phil Taylor get past Premier League hopeful Gerwyn Price in the opening round he could face five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld in the last 16. Michael van Gerwen the number 1 seed could face former European Champion Simon Whitlock in the last 16. Gary Anderson could have the chance to avenge his defeat to Daryl Gurney in Vegas in the second round. We could see an all Scottish affair between Peter Wright and Robert Thornton and James Wade could face the inform Michael Smith in a tie that should both go through has the potential to go to extra time.
And then as the last 16 becomes the quarter finals, one potential clash has more excitement that any other matchup the tournament can muster as should the seedings prevail and in that quarter of the draw it would have to, Phil Taylor could face the seemingly invincible Michael van Gerwen. The world number 1 was nearly beaten by the Power a fortnight ago in the Shanghai Darts Masters only for Taylor to rue missed match darts.
But that could just be a fantasy given the amount of talent on show in what is for me my favourite tournament in the World of Darts in what is the best venue. I may love the BDO Lakeside but you would be hard pushed to think of a better event in World Darts than the matchplay.
Martyn White: Bradley Tarbuck limped off against Farnborough last week
Hawks hope to put injury woes behind them!
Havant and Waterlooville will be looking to put their injury crisis behind them as they face Sutton United of the Vanarama National League at Westleigh Park on Saturday afternoon. With a number of players in the injury room, Lee Bradbury made the step of calling off their game against AFC Totton at the Testwood Stadium on Monday.
For Lee Bradbury he has a real dilemma on his hands. Bradley Tarbuck picking up a knock in their friendly win over Farnborough on Saturday just added fuel to the unwanted Hawks fire with Strugnall, Rose, Robinson and Stock sidelined last week and Matt Tubbs still not 100% fit, facts that will concern the Hawks gaffer just a fortnight before their big National League South return.
Whether fully fit or not in their way is a strong Sutton United side who under the stewardship of Paul Doswell are a side to look out for in next seasons Vanarama National League. They made national and International headlines last season as their run to the fifth round of the FA Cup captured the nations hearts. It would only be the eventual champions Arsenal who would deny them a historic quarter final all non league tie against Lincoln City with goals by Lucas Perez and Theo Walcott denying a dream result.
Trinity Mirror: Sutton come close VS Arsenal
However it was not just their cup exploits that was music to the ears of the Gander Green Lane faithful as they finished a respectful 12th in what was their first season in the National League following promotion a season earlier.
MATCH AND TICKET INFO:
The colossal fixture takes place this Saturday (22nd July) at 3pm at Westleigh Park. Tickets for the fixture is priced at £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions, competitive pricing to see a top National League side in action.
We hope to see as many Hawks and Yellows fans at Fort Westleigh on Saturday as possible as both sides look forward in earnest to another successful season.
Martyn White: George Barker signs a new Hawks deal
Barker’s back at the Hawks
George Barker has put pen to paper for a new Hawks contract. The 25-year old will return to Westleigh Park for his second full season with the Hawks. Barker joined the Hawks in March 2016 following a spell at Gosport. Although minutes was a worry for Barker as he would have to sit on the sidelines as the Hawks were relegated to the Ishmian league.
Barker last season was a player who was unlucky. When given a run in the side he would impress but it would be injury again that would scupper him from the starting lineup and with the momentum the Hawks had the best he could do at times is watch from the bench.
Following an extended break in the States, Barker has finally resigned for the Hawks putting to bed speculation on his future. Lee Bradbury commented by saying “A good signing for us, I think George has that little bit of something we haven’t got. He’s a creative player, he can make things happen and the role we gave him today was an effective one, he ended up nearly scoring, a good save by the keeper one on one and he gets the penalty as well for being on the front foot.”
Due to his break and a late contact signing he has only had a handful of training sessions the gaffer added “he’s only trained with us this week so he’s a little bit behind the other lads but of we can get him sharp, fit and in the right frame of mind then he can can be a big player for us.”
Martyn White: Prior at the double for the Hawks at WLP
Prior double sinks Farnborough
Havant and Waterlooville continue their pre-season with a fine 2-0 win against Farnborough at Westleigh Park. Hawks boss Lee Bradbury was looking for a reaction to the 6-0 defeat that Pompey handed out last Saturday. George Barker’s re-signing for the Hawks helped his cause as he went straight into the starting lineup as Mike Carter pulled up in the warm up.
The first half lived up to the normal pre-season encounter with the game being a test of fitness and a run out for legs more than any other objective. Lee Bradbury admitting that in that period “we wasn’t at the pace that we should be at”. The Hawls did come close however in that opening half as Theo Lewis and Jason Prior both having chances for the Hawks to go a goal to the good. The closest Farborough got to breaking the deadlock was a free kick from former Hawk Nic Ciardini with his effort just hitting the top of the crossbar but over and it would end 0-0 at the interval.
The second half the Hawks came out much better, with a word or two being said in the dressing room seemingly being the remedy for the rest of the game. And it paid dividends within 5 minutes of the second half restarting as Jason Prior heads home after receiving the ball from Rory Williams following a short corner into the area. The Hawks would then double their lead as George Barker would go to ground with the referee pointing to the penalty spot. Jason Prior took the spot kick and he cooly puts it into the bottom right hand corner for a 2-0 lead. That would also be Barker’s last action on his Hawks return before being substituted.
However Lee Bradbury did not get through the game unscaved as the injuries start toting up for the Hawks as Bradley Tarbuck came off worse following a challenge on the edge of the penalty area. The 21-year old who after medical attention limped off the field and was substituted.
The Hawks would end up 2-0 victors against a Farnborough side who will fancy a decent season in the Southern Premier League. After the game Lee Bradbury said that “after a little poke at half time we got going a little bit in the second half, moved the ball better, although saying that we could have been 2-0 up at half time, hitting the post twice but we were a little bit of the pace for me. It was like a pre-season game in the first half, I thought the second half was a bit more competitive and we moved the ball a lot sharper.”
Next up for the Hawks is a game against AFC Totton at the Testwood stadium with Alfy Whittingham potentially being one of the players in which Louis Langdown will out against the Hawks on Tuesday night at 7:30.
Henry Deacon Media 