The visitors made the perfect start, taking the lead inside four minutes with an early strike that stunned the home crowd. The Hawks responded well and nearly levelled just a few minutes later. Pendlebury picked out Milner-Smith at the back post, but with the goal gaping, his header flew agonisingly over the bar.

The pressure from the home side paid off when they were awarded a penalty, and Seager confidently converted to bring the scores level.

However, Hanwell Town struck back quickly. A corner on the half-hour mark saw them restore their lead, and just a minute later, further frustration for the Hawks. Ferdinand made a fine initial save but was adjudged to have fouled a Hanwell forward in the aftermath, allowing Carr to tuck away the resulting penalty and make it 3–1.

Despite being in control of the ball for much of the first half, the Hawks were punished for lapses at the back and went into half-time with work to do to turn things around in the second half.

HALF TIME: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 1-3 HANWELL TOWN

Ten minutes into the second half, Atangana rose highest in the box to meet a cross, forcing Beasant into an acrobatic save to tip the header over the bar. The resulting corner, however, came to nothing.

Despite a late goal in added time from Willson, the story of the game for the Hawks was a struggle to turn possession into clear-cut chances. Hanwell Town defended resolutely, protecting their lead and limiting Havant to half opportunities that rarely tested Beasant.

In the end, Hanwell comfortably saw out the closing stages to claim all three points, while the Hawks were left reflecting on a performance that lacked the finishing touch. Next up for the Hawks is a trip to Gloucester City in the First Round of the Isuzu FA Trophy.

FULL TIME: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 2-3 HANWELL TOWN

Havant and Waterlooville: Ferdinand (GK), Atangana (Rooney 74’), Milner-Smith, Willson, Bradbury, Pendlebury, Seager (C), Maloney, Giwa-McNeil (Owusu 70’), Aston, Laidlaw

Unused Subs: Dockerill, Warren, Goddard

Cautions: Atangana 25’

Goals: Seager 20’, Willson 90+4’

Hanwell Town: Beasant (GK) (C), Wilson (Miles 83’), Carr, Nditi, Duncan, Seabrook, Rice, Woodcock, Pendlebury, Bettamer (Cole 83’), Hoath

Unused Subs: Patrick, Crichlow, Clayton

Cautions: Seabrook 27’, Woodcock 77’

Goals: Wilson 4’, Bettamer 29’, Carr 32’

Attendance: 554

Player of the Match: Ethan Giwa-McNeil