Match Preview: Havant & Waterlooville v Taunton Town

Taunton Town make the long trip to Hampshire this Saturday to face Havant & Waterlooville in the Southern League Premier South.

The Peacocks met Havant just over a month ago in the FA Trophy, winning 3-2 to progress to the next stage and knock the Hampshire side out of the competition. Jay Murray scored a hat-trick that day and was named Man of the Match.

Jay Murray celebrates after scoring on our last visit to Havant & Waterlooville

Taunton’s most recent outing was a much shorter trip, to Bishop Lydeard in the Somerset Premier Cup. The Peacocks took a dominant 4-0 win, with Jay Murray completing another hat-trick. Tylor Love-Holmes scored the first goal of the evening, a curling effort from outside the box.

The Peacocks’ away form is currently strong, with no defeats in their last four on the road, and they will want to keep that run going in Hampshire.

First Team Manager Gary Johnson said:

“I was delighted with the game at Bishop Lydeard. Lydeard made it a good, competitive game on a tough pitch, but four quality goals, three from Jay and one from Tylor, won the day. It was great to see a good crowd, and I’m sure they enjoyed the energy in the game. We thank Lydeard for their friendly hospitality.

“We now turn our thoughts to the away league game in Hampshire. They have had a change of management, picked up one or two decent results and brought in a handful of new players, with players going out. Their latest result was a 6-1 defeat away at Hanwell Town, but they are definitely better than that. We can’t have that in mind when we go to Havant, as we don’t want to be hit on the rebound. We are at a good stage in the season for competition for places, and that’s always a good thing.

“As ever, I will take the opportunity to thank our supporters, who will incredibly make the trip down to Havant. As always, we look forward to seeing them.

“Thanks, Gaffer.”

The Opposition

Havant & Waterlooville welcome Taunton Town to Westleigh Park this Saturday, sitting 21st in the Southern League Premier South. Nicknamed The Hawks, they are coming off a 6-1 defeat away at Hanwell Town in their last league outing, and will be looking to bounce back in front of their home supporters.

Match Coverage

We will provide match updates across our social media channels throughout the match, as well as post-match interviews and reaction after the final whistle.

Make sure to tune into Peacocks Radio to keep up with all the action from Wordsworth Drive.