The Hawks were up for the challenge of the Championship side from the first whistle and carved out their first real chance of the game in 15 minutes. A well-worked move saw the ball played out wide to Nana Owusu, who opted to go alone. His low strike forced a smart save from Pompey keeper Ben Killip at his near post.
Shortly after, the Hawks threatened again. A perfectly weighted ball over the top from Laidlaw picked out Ryan Seager’s run in behind the Portsmouth back line. Seager got his shot away under pressure, but Killip was equal to it once more, keeping the scores level.
Some brilliant play from Alfy Whittingham saw him locked in a battle with Hayden Matthews, it got him in down the Portsmouth right-hand side, and he was rewarded with a throw-in for his hard work.
Pompey had a few half-chances of their own throughout the half, but the Hawks’ defence dealt with them well, staying organised and compact under pressure.
Right on the stroke of half time the home side thought they had taken the lead. Some great play from Trialist E down the right saw him get the ball to Kavanagh. He sent a teasing ball into Whittingham, who got there just ahead of Killip, with the loose ball falling to Seager to slot home. However, celebrations were cut short by the linesman’s flag, ruling the goal out for offside – seemingly against Whittingham’s run into the middle.
Despite the disallowed goal, it was a promising 45 minutes from the Hawks, who managed to keep Portsmouth at bay whilst creating some opportunities of their own.
HALF TIME: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 0-0 PORTSMOUTH
The second half picked up where the first left off, with the Hawks continuing to press. 5 minutes into the half, Whittingham once again got the better of Matthews and drove into the box. Both players went to the ground under a challenge, but the referee waved play on.
Whittingham again found himself in space on the right, delivering a low cross to the waiting Seager, who couldn’t quite make a clean connection under pressure. Pompey responded through Matthews, who met a Swanson free-kick but headed over the bar.
As the game entered the final third, the Hawks pushed for a winner. Willson rose to meet a Pendlebury free-kick but couldn’t keep his header on target. Bradbury then battled through a challenge and got a shot away, only to see it blocked by a recovering defender.
With 10 minutes left on the clock, Trialist E again proved dangerous. Sending in a cross that caused confusion in the Pompey box. Killip punched clear under pressure from Bradbury, and the loose ball eventually fell to Pendlebury, whose strike was bravely blocked.
The biggest chance of the match came right at the end, when the Hawks were awarded a penalty after Austin was fouled in the area. Seager stepped up, but his spot-kick was saved well by Killip.
There was still time for one last opportunity, with Pendlebury delivering another pinpoint free-kick into the box. Willson met it powerfully, but his header was directed straight at Killip.
Despite the lack of goals, it was an evening full of positives for the Hawks, who more than matched their Championship visitors. For Portsmouth, it marked the conclusion of their pre-season schedule ahead of their league campaign. Next up for the Hawks is Burgess Hill at Westleigh Park on Saturday, their final pre-season game before the season starts on August 9th at home to Taunton Town.
FULL TIME: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 0-0 PORTSMOUTH
Havant and Waterlooville: Dudzinski (GK) (Trialist H 60’), Kavanagh, Trialist E (Trialist G 80’), Willson, Pendlebury, Seager (C), Whittingham (Bradbury 73’), Young, Owusu (Trialist K 73’), Aston, Laidlaw (Austin 60’)
Unused Subs: Goddard
Portsmouth: Killip (GK) (C), Bowat (Ani 46’), Clout (Gilooly 62’), Matthews (Wilson 65’), Farrell (Bailey 59’), Swanson (Mullins 59’), Devlin (Jablonski 68’), Trialist A (Buckland 65’), Swann (Thomas 46’), Lane (Pfupa 62’), Agu (Sylvanus 76′)
Unused Subs: Glover (GK)
Player of the Match: Harry Kavanagh
Report By: Alex McNeice