The match kicked off under torrential rain thanks to Storm Bert, creating challenging conditions for both sides. The Hawks applied early pressure but struggled to capitalise.

Keane Anderson unleashed a powerful shot, tipped over the bar by the Winchester keeper. From the resulting corner, the ball struck the post a narrow escape for the hosts.

The wet pitch played a significant role, with both teams struggling to keep their footing and control the ball.

The hosts found the net in the 27^th minute after a free-kick from the right was whipped in. Winchester’s Wilkie found himself with space in the box and sent a header against the post. Unfortunately for the Hawks, the ball ricocheted off Dudzinski’s back and into the net, handing the hosts the lead despite it being their only significant attack of the game.

The Hawks pressed for an equaliser, but the Winchester defence held firm. Dudzinski made a critical save to deny a second for Winchester before the half came to an end. Havant had dominated the game but could not capitalise, and they went into the break trailing 1-0.

HALF TIME: WINCHESTER CITY 1-0 HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE

The Hawks made a quick start to the second half. After some great hold-up play on the edge of the box from Ryan Seager he set up Maloney who calmly slotted the ball past the Winchester keeper to make it 1-1.

Shortly after, the Hawks attacking pressure continued with the Winchester keeper having to pull off a double save to keep the scores level. Moments later, Seager was denied in a 1-on-1 situation, a great couple of minutes for the Winchester keeper.

Havant’s relentless attacking pressure paid off in the 65^th minute. A great ball from Anderson found Seager, who broke through on goal and finished clinically to give the Hawks a 2-1 lead.

Minutes later the Hawks were awarded a penalty after Swann was fouled in the box. Seager stepped up and converted with ease, for his second of the game and extending the lead to 3-1.

The Hawks controlled the game in the closing stages. Sidwell nearly added a fourth late in the game but fired just wide after a Swann attempt was blocked. The game would finish 3-1.

A much improved second-half performance from the Hawks saw them record an away victory in challenging conditions. The visitors were dominant throughout the game and capitalised on their chances in the second 45 to ensure all 3 points would be theirs. Next up for the Hawks is a home game against Basingstoke Town next Saturday afternoon.

FULL TIME: WINCHESTER CITY 1-3 HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE

Away Team: Cairney (C) (GK), McCormick, Hutchinson, Bartlett (Panesar-Dower 68’), Jamison, Wilkie, Chalwell (Mlambo 74’), Jones, Wright, Britton (Caborn 68’), Hill

Unused Subs: Nevins, King

Cautions: McCormick 49’

Goals: Dudzinski (OG) 26’

Havant and Waterlooville: Dudzinski (GK), Austin, Atangana, McNerney (C), Wilson, Seager, Maloney, Kealy (Swann 62’), Dockerill, Anderson, Laidlaw (Sidwell 71’)

Unused Subs: Aston, Tshaka, Paul

Cautions: Laidlaw 9’, Dockerill 57’

Goals: Maloney 49’, Seager 66’, 71’

Report By: Alex McNeice