The Hawks started out on the front foot with a corner from Harvey Laidlaw, delivered into the goalmouth, only to be safely claimed by hands of Taunton Town’s keeper Frankie Phillips.

A free kick to Taunton in the 10th minute sparked a goalmouth scramble, the hosts turned and managed to put the ball in their own net, gifting the visitors an early lead.

Havant’s players and fans erupted into appeals after Atangana was brought down by a Taunton defender by a handful of his shirt, however the screams fell upon deaf ears as the referee chose not to give it.

Moments later, Taunton Town’s Josh Owers was booked and shown a yellow by the ref following a poor challenge on Olly Pendlebury. The Havant player showed his resilience and was back up playing shortly after.

Taunton ramped up the pressure on the home side as the first half ended, showing their determination to preserve their lead at the break.

The second half began in a disappointing fashion for the Hawks as Alfy Whittingham was given a yellow card following a shirt pulling from an opposition player.

Lewis Brown passed the ball to Whittingham who tried to find clear space away from his man. He was taken down, but the referee waved away appeals by Havant.

The controversy followed shortly after Taunton Town were awarded a penalty for a challenge that appeared to be outside of the box. The visitors continued to take the lead as Ben Seymour converted from the spot.

Havant responded with a renewed energy to take a chunk out of the visitors lead. Ryan Seager slid the ball to Alfy Whittingham who turned towards the box and whipped the ball into the net.

Taunton Town were forced into a substitution after Josh Owers picked up an injury, bringing on Jake Towns.

Taunton Town added to their lead in the 87th minute with a goal from Simpson leaving Dudzinski empty handed and the hosts 3-1 down.

With seven minutes added on, Havant & Waterlooville still had time to try and close the gap, and the Hawks captain did just that. Scoring in the 97th minute Ryan Seager latched onto the ball, turned and ploughed it through, over the keeper into the back of the net.

Havant & Waterlooville: Dudzinski (GK), Atangana, Milner-Smith, Willson. Pendlebury, Seager (C), Whittingham, Brown, Owusu (Goal: 72’), Aston, Laidlaw, (Giwa-Mcneil 69’), (Warren 74’)

Unused subs: Walker-Harris, Austin, Goddard

Taunton Town: Phillips (GK), Thompson, Grimes (C), Woodhouse, Purrington, Simpson (Goal 87’), Brain, Hodgson, Seymour (Goal: 55’), Owers, Montague, (Towns 60’), (Moulden 69’), (Nielsen 69’), (Croome 82’), (Gould 87’)

Hawks Player of the Match: Alfy Whittingham

Report By: Keira Godwin