Tuesday night saw the Hawks take on Petersfield Town in the FA Trophy, the match began with an early scare for the Hawks as Petersfield’s Seiden capitalise on a missed ball from Atangana, breaking through the defence. However, McNerney was quick to clear the danger, preventing an early goal.

In the 9^th minute, the Hawks took the lead through Whittingham, who slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, igniting hopes for the away side. Petersfield responded swiftly, equalising in the 18^th minute when Kimber curled a free kick into the left corner, leaving Dudzinski with no chance.

The match swung in Petersfield’s favour in the 26^th minute. A close call for offside saw McDonald slip through the defence, confidently slotting the ball passed Dudzinski to put the Rams ahead 2-1. Havant came close to levelling the score again in the 39^th minute when Swann struck the woodwork from a well-placed set by Kealy, leaving the Hawks going in to half time behind.

HALF TIME: PETERSFIELD TOWN 2-1 HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE

Despite a flurry of chances for the Hawks, including opportunities for Tshaka and Kealy early in the second half, they struggled to find the back of the net. In the 65^th minute, a contentious goal-line scramble left players and spectators questioning if the ball had crossed the line, but the referee waved away the calls.

The side turned in the 71^st minute when the Hawks were awarded a penalty. Ryan Seager confidently stepped up and converted, bringing the score to 2-2. Despite the relentless pressure from the Hawks, the Petersfield goalkeeper made several crucial saves to keep the Rams in the game.

As the match entered its final moments, Petersfield struck again in the 86^th minute through Houldsworth, putting the Rams ahead 3-2. But the Hawks rallied in stoppage time. In the 93^rd minute, a corner kick led to chaos in the box, with Dudzinski making a bold run forward. The scramble saw the ball fall to the Havant keeper who got the ball to the feet of Bradbury who beat Grant in the sticks to equalise 3-3.

FULL TIME: PETERSFIELD TOWN 3-3 HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE

The match proceeded to penalties, where the Hawks hoped to carry momentum from their recent shootout victory. However, they faltered under pressure, with one shot hitting the crossbar, and another saved by Grant. In contrast the Rams converted their penalties with precision, ultimately sealing this encounter. Petersfield emerged victorious after a gripping penalty shootout, while the Hawks will reflect on missed opportunities as they look to bounce back in their next fixture Saturday away to Gloucester City.

Goals:

Petersfield Town: Kimber 18’, McDonald 26’, Houldsworth 86’

Havant and Waterlooville FC: Whittingham 9’ Seager 72’, Bradbury 90+’