After conceding their first Vanarama National League South double of the season on Tuesday evening, the Peacocks go in search of achieving the first one of their own when they visit Havant & Waterlooville tomorrow (18th February), ko 3.00pm.
Tuesday’s defeat to Farnborough was Town’s first in four League games and they know they will have to perform a whole lot better against the promotion-chasing Hawks tomorrow. The visitors will take some confidence though from the first meeting of the sides just over two weeks ago when the Peacocks ended the Hampshire side’s unbeaten League record away from home this season. The Hawks followed that loss with another at leaders Ebbsfleet before getting back on course with a 3-0 victory over Chelmsford City at Westleigh Park last Saturday.
The win over Chelmsford consolidated third spot in the table for Havant who can overtake second placed Dartford with their two games in hand. The Peacocks meanwhile sat still in 17th place despite their defeat to Farnborough as Dulwich Hamlet also lost at Braintree, and they will note that five of the Hawks’ seven losses this season have come on home turf. A morale-boosting display and result tomorrow then will set them up nicely for their next three games which are all at home.
The Peacocks welcome back striker Dave Sims-Burgess who has recovered from illness but fellow frontman Nick McCootie is still sick. Ollie Chamberlain should be ready for a return although he will not start. Havant meanwhile will be missing the suspended Joash Nembhard and Danny Wright who were both sent off in the first game at the Cygnet. Head of Football Rob Dray commented:” Another great game to be involved in, away to a team in the play-offs and well placed in the championship race. This is what we wanted as a club and a team for several seasons so we must embrace it. After we beat them two weeks ago, tomorrow will be a totally different animal on a plastic pitch and with them having their pride wounded. As always though we will give everything to try and get a result, we want to get back on another run after the disappointment of Tuesday so although we know it will be a massive test we look forward to it.”
Traveller Info
Ground: Draper Tools Community Stadium, Westleigh Park, Martin Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 5TH
Ground to Ground: 115.3 miles (via A303/M27)
Directions: Turn off the A27 into Havant at the Hayling Island roundabout (A3023). If coming from the west this is the first exit after the A3M split. Follow the road through the town centre until you go over the railway and come to a roundabout. Go straight on, through four sets of traffic lights. At the fifth, (after a garage on your right and the Heron pub on your left), turn right into Bartons Road. At the top of the hill immediately after a pedestrian crossing, turn right into Martin Road. The entrance to the ground is several hundred yards along the road on your right.
Admission: Adults £15, Concessions (OAP’S, Students) £10, NHS and Armed Forces £8 (ID required), Under 16’s Free (must be accompanied by an adult)
Last meeting: the Peacocks recently beat the Hawks at the end of January, an own goal from Jake McCarthy and a Zac Smith strike securing the points at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium. Relive the match highlights HERE