For the majority of the first half, chances were limited as both teams worked hard to cancel each other out in midfield, resulting in a cagey start and not much action.

The visitors were the ones who broke the deadlock just before half time. A well-delivered free kick was swung into the box, where Eoin Casey rose highest to guide a header past Lorenz Ferdinand, putting the visitors 1-0 up.

The Hawks responded positively to falling behind, creating a couple of promising opportunities in the final moments before the break. Despite that late pressure, they went into half-time trailing, with work to do in the second half to turn the game around.

HALF TIME: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 0-1 CHERTSEY TOWN

Havant & Waterlooville came out for the second half with far greater purpose, immediately putting Chertsey Town under pressure.

This was shown when Seager produced a clever through-ball to release Pendlebury, whose low strike forced goalkeeper Roberts into an important save with his feet.

The Hawks’ persistence was rewarded with an equaliser. Sharp build-up play opened space for Taylor, who broke in behind the defence before sliding a precise ball across the box for Whittingham to tap home and bring the Hawks level.

Just a few minutes later, the Hawks almost completed the turnaround. Maloney clipped a teasing delivery toward the far post, the ball bouncing off the top of the crossbar.

From the equaliser onward the Hawks were comfortably the better side, playing with greater attacking intent and creating a series of promising opportunities. Despite their dominance and the pressure they piled on, the winning goal ultimately proved elusive.

It was a much-improved second-half display from Havant & Waterlooville, who will feel disappointed not to have taken all three points given the number of chances they created after the break. Next up for the Hawks is an away trip to Tiverton on Saturday Afternoon.

FULL TIME: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 1-1 CHERTSEY TOWN

Havant and Waterlooville: Ferdinand (GK), Taylor (Rooney 86’), Atangana (Whittingham 60’), Milner-Smith, Willson, Pendlebury, Seager (C), Maloney, Thorpe (Aston 46’), Owusu (Giwa-McNeil 46’), Laidlaw

Unused Subs: Goddard

Cautions: Maloney 88’, Giwa-McNeil 90’

Goals: Whittingham 67’

Chertsey Town: Wynee-Roberts (GK), Olorunfemi, Fisher (C), Harrison, Casey, Wilson (Berry 72’), Lodge, Mazzone, McCoy (Montague 80’), Abisogun (Lee 61’), Ridgley

Unused Subs: Birch, Wiltshire

Cautions: Mazzone 45+2’, McCoy 65’

Goals: Casey 42’

Attendance: 545

Player of the Match: Freddie Taylor