Dorchester struck early in the 7th minute when their number 9, Konzsela, capitalised on a mistake by Tshaka. After dispossessing Tshaka, Konzsela unleashed a brilliant shot that sailed over goalkeeper Dudzinski, hitting the underside of the crossbar before nestling into the net.

The Hawks didn’t let this ruin their game as they responded in the 16th minute. A well-played through ball found Seager, who took on the onrushing Dorchester keeper. Demonstrating excellent vision, Seager slipped the ball to Kealy, who calmly slotted it into the back of the net to level the scores.

Both teams had opportunities to seize the lead. Notably, Tshaka set up Maloney, whose cross aimed for Livesey-Austin resulting in a foul against Dorchester’s defence. Later, a Dorchester free kick in the 33rd minute was brilliantly saved by Dudzinski as it headed towards the top right corner.

Half-Time: Dorchester Town 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville FC

Dorchester initiated the half with an early chance as Robinson chased an aerial ball, only for Dudzinski to claim it comfortably.

The 55th minute saw McNerney of the Hawks receive a yellow card after a clumsy challenge on Dorchester’s Dickson. Minutes later, Havant’s Whittingham had his shot blocked by Dorchester’s well composed defence.

Substitute Ruben Swann made his presence felt almost immediately in the 61st minute, firing a long-range effort just over the bar following a switched ball from Maloney.

Tensions rose in the 69th minute when Dorchester’s Haste received a booking for a challenge from behind on Kealy much to the disgruntlement of the Dorchester fans who felt the decision was soft. The Hawks continued to press, with Whittingham setting up Bradbury in the 72nd minute, whose shot was saved by Benfield. The save resulted in Benfield requiring medical attention, leading to a prolonged stoppage.

In a dramatic turn, Maloney’s fierce free kick forced Benfield, now playing without a glove on his injured right hand, to punch the ball away single-handedly. By the 81st minute, Benfield’s injury compelled him to leave the field, with no Goalkeeper as a named substitute, outfield player led to Spetch donning the gloves for the remaining exchanges.

As the clock wound down, both teams sought the winner. In the 89th minute, the Hawks earned a corner, but Spetch confidently claimed the ball. Dorchester nearly snatched victory in the 90th minute when their attackers bypassed Dudzinski, only for Austin to heroically clear off the line.

Nine minutes of added time saw continued efforts from both sides. Notably, in the 101st minute, Seager pressured Spetch into dropping the ball, but the makeshift keeper quickly recovered to avert danger.

Full time: Dorchester Town FC 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville FC 

Dorchester Town FC: Benfield (GK) (Turner 81’), Dickson, Haste, Spetch, Ngalo © (Holmes 90+8’), Bragg, Fogden (Buse 73’), Moore, Konzsela, Pardoe (Hutchinson 90+4’), Robinson (Roberts 78’)

Goals: Konzsela 7′

Cautions: Haste 69′

Havant and Waterlooville FC: Dudziniski (GK), Stanley, Austin, Atangana (Willson 90+3’), McNerney ©, Whittingham, Seager, Maloney, Kealy (Bradbury 70’), Tshaka (Swann 60’), Dockerill

Unused Subs: Lee, Jallow

Goals: Kealy 16′

Cautions: McNerney 55′ 

Report By: Lily Moore