The game began at a quick pace, with Poole Town creating an early opportunity within the first 15 seconds. A sliding clearance from the Hawks prevented the hosts from taking an early lead. The Hawks responded by settling into the match and gaining more possession. Sidwell came close with a long-range effort, but his shot was saved by Poole’s goalkeeper, Plain.

In the 9th minute, Leon Maloney’s cross found Seager, but the attempt was blocked and went wide, resulting in a corner for the Hawks. Shortly after, a free kick from Austin almost put the Hawks ahead; however, McNerney’s shot hit the post before being ruled offside.

The first significant chance for Poole came in the 18th minute when Ramos delivered a cross, but the attempt was saved by Dudzinski. The match took a dramatic turn in the 22nd minute when a foul by McNerney resulted in a penalty for Poole. Former Hawks captain Jake McCarthy stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Dudzinski made a spectacular save. The follow-up was also cleared by the Hawks, maintaining the deadlock.

As the half progressed, both teams created chances, but neither could capitalise, leading to a tense atmosphere. A close call for McNerney came from a corner in the 37th minute, but the ball was cleared off the line.

HALF TIME: POOLE TOWN 0-0 HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE

The second half resumed with an early opportunity for Poole, as keeper Plain attempted a long free kick that almost caught Dudzinski off guard. The Hawks pressed forward, with Maloney nearly opening the score line from a through ball, however his shot skimmed past the wrong side of the post.

As the match wore on, the quality of chances dwindled, and in the 68th minute, Seager sent a shot sailing over the crossbar. The game shifted in the 82nd minute when Poole’s Thomas received a straight red card for a foul on Bradbury, leaving his team with ten men.

With just minutes remaining, the Hawks were awarded a penalty after Austin was brought down in the box. Bradbury stepped up confidently and converted the penalty, striking straight down the middle to put the Hawks ahead, who celebrated toward the enthusiastic Hawks fans, with a knee slide.

In the dying moments, Poole Town pressed for an equaliser. A late chance fell to Poole’s number 11, but he failed to convert from close range, missing the target from ten yards out.

Despite a late flurry from Poole, the Hawks held firm, and the final whistle confirmed their 1-0 victory.

FULL TIME: POOLE TOWN 0-1 HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE

Poole Town line up: Plain (GK), Hanger (Forbes 76’), Diaz (White 60’), Staunton ©, Lowes, McCarthy (Slade 56’), Holmes, Ramos (Hewlett 56’), Thomas, Smith, Clarke

Havant and Waterlooville: Dudzinski (GK), Austin, Atangana, McNerney ©, Willson, Whittingham (Anderson 80’), Seager, Maloney, Kealy (Bradbury 58’), Sidwell, Dockerill