The Hawks ended their 2013/14 season needing a victory in their last match against already relegated Tonbridge Angels. Despite missing a penalty, hitting the crossbar and having a goal disallowed the 0-0 result appeared enough to put the team into the Conference South Play-offs, with Kent rivals Dover Athletic drawing in their match. Sadly as the team waited on the pitch, news of an 87th minute converted penalty by Dover Athletic dashed their dreams. After limping out in the Semi-Finals of the FA Trophy to local rivals Gosport Borough this second nail in the heart was a bitter pill to swallow.
Thankfully after a superb but rain affected campaign, the team, Club and supporters still had the Final of The Hampshire Senior Cup at Fratton Park to look forward to. However, the Hawks late season Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde character was evident as they trailed Basingstoke Town by a two goal margin with just eight minutes to play. A spirited and valiant comeback took the match into extra-time with two late goals. With a penalty shootout looming a goal two minutes from time (against the run of play) sent the trophy to North Hampshire.
Last season this column followed the fortunes of Academy players who were training with the first team. We are pleased to report that two, goalkeeper Charlie Searle (aged 18) and midfielder Harry Wedlake (also 18) have just signed their first ever professional contracts with the Hawks. We will continue to follow their progress as they strive to become fulltime professional footballers.
Finally, the Club is pleased to announce through this column some big-name preseason matches, all taking place at Westleigh Park. Premiership Side Crystal Palace has committed to playing the Hawks; also, Division Two, Portsmouth FC and AFC Wimbledon will visit with their full First Teams. West Ham United will send their development squad (Under 21’s) to test the new-look Hawks.
An amusing footnote from Ian Radford, Hawks stalwart Website Manager: ‘Little did I know that sitting down to watch the 1973 Grand National as an eight year old child would have such an impact on the rest of my life.
My chosen horse ‘Crisp’; a champion Australian chaser, rounded the final turn some 30 lengths clear of the field, a distance that had been reduced to 15 lengths at the final fence. The diminutive but wholehearted steed was chased down and caught by ‘Red Rum’ on the finish line to record the first of three Grand National victories (1973, 1974, 1977). This single event sowed the seeds for a successful seventeen year career as a bookie; a twenty six year spell as a compulsive gambler, and a glimpse into my future as a long-term fan of Havant & Waterlooville Football Club.’
For the latest details of all dates, times and news of more new signings please refer to the information provided by Ian on the Official Havant & Waterlooville FC Website.