The Hawks started the game off as the better side, creating an early opportunity in the opening minute. Kealy, set up by Stanley inside the box, had a chance to give the home side the lead, but the Poole Town defence blocked his effort.
Harvey Laidlaw almost caught the Poole goalkeeper off guard with an out-swinging corner. It sailed just over the bar, clipping the roof of the net on its way out.
Despite a good opening 10 minutes from the Hawks, it was Poole Town who struck first. A threaded through-ball found Diaz in space, and despite offside appeals from the Hawks’ defenders, the linesman kept the flag down. He slotted the ball past Dudzinski to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
The Hawks responded well, with Anderson coming close. He took a shot from the edge of the area, but his effort narrowly missed the target. Less than a minute later, Laidlaw was involved again, sending a cross towards Lee at the back post. Lee’s volley from close range also went wide of the goal.
As halftime loomed, the Hawks found an equaliser. Leon Maloney made a great tackle just outside the box, winning back possession for his side. He passed it to Seager, who composed himself before bending a beautiful strike around the goalkeeper, finding the back of the net to draw the Hawks level at 1-1 going into the second half.
HALF TIME: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 1-1 POOLE TOWN
The second half began with the Hawks continuing to show their attacking intent. Lee came close to putting the Hawks ahead after a cross from Stanley. The Poole Town defence failed to deal with it, and Lee’s shot rattled the top of the post, staying out.
With the match entering the final 15 minutes the Hawks had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Following a well-worked free-kick routine the ball was whipped into the far post where Brendan Wilson was there to meet it, but his shot went well over the bar.
However, the Hawks weren’t to be denied. A moment of individual brilliance from Swann saw him glide past multiple challenges down the left wing. He powered into the box, where he was able to get the ball to Seager, who made no mistake, slotting the ball into the net for his second of the game and the Hawks’ second goal putting them 2-1 up.
An important win for the Hawks as they overturned Poole Town’s early lead to take all three points. Next up is an away trip to Hungerford Town in the league.
FULL TIME: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 2-1 POOLE TOWN
Havant and Waterlooville: Dudzinski (GK), Stanley, Atangana (Aston 88’), McNerney (C), Willson, Seager, Maloney, Kealy (Bradbury 75’), Lee (Swann 78’), Anderson, Laidlaw
Unused Subs: Walker-Harris, Tshaka
Cautions: Anderson 50’, Stanley 90+4’
Goals: Seager 39’, 80’
Poole Town: Taylor (GK), Staunton, Whisken (C), Lowes, Diaz (Davis 64’), Touray, Thomas (Hanger 82’), Slade, Batzelis, Clarke (Nippard 82’), O’Connell
Unused Subs: Plain, Hoey
Cautions: Touray 74’, Thomas 77’
Goals: Diaz 13’
Attendance: 774
Player of the Match: Ryan Seager
Report By: Alex McNeice