The early stages saw plenty of positive intent from the hosts, with Ryan Seager looking lively as always. Kealy made an excellent run down the left and delivered into Seager, who spun smartly but saw his shot tipped over by the Wimborne goalkeeper.

The pressure soon told. Some great work from Owusu found Kealy in the box, who cleverly picked out Seager. The Hawks’ number nine made no mistake, slotting a composed finish into the bottom corner to give his side a deserved lead.

The Hawks continued to press and doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark. Stanley released Maloney down the right, and his pinpoint cross was met by Seager, who nodded home his second goal of the afternoon.

In added time, the Hawks pushed for a third. Maloney showed great strength to shrug off his marker before feeding Seager, who moved the ball across to Owusu. The winger got his shot away, but a deflection saw it blocked behind for a corner.

HALF TIME: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 2-0 WIMBORNE TOWN

Wimborne started the second half with greater intensity, forcing Havant to weather an early spell of pressure. The Hawks managed to get the game back under control. Pendlebury’s excellent delivery found Seager once again, whose header earned a corner, but Wimborne defended well to clear their lines.

Chances were harder to come by in the second half, though the Hawks continued to threaten. Seager turned provider, slipping a pass to Maloney, who struck from range, but his effort sailed over the bar.

As the game entered its final stages, Havant nearly grabbed a third. In the final minutes, a wonderful combination between Seager and Whittingham sent Alfy racing into space. His powerful drive was superbly kept out by Wimborne’s goalkeeper, who stood tall to deny the Hawks.

In stoppage time, the Hawks came even closer. A flurry of chances saw the ball break to Maloney inside the box, but his shot was cleared off the line by the outstanding Wimborne stopper Roberts, preserving the final scoreline.

The Hawks did their part in the race for a play-off place but unfortunately, a last-minute winner for Dorchester means that they go into the play-offs and Havant agonisingly miss out.

FULL TIME: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 2-0 WIMBORNE TOWN

Havant and Waterlooville: Ferdinand (GK), Stanley, Wilson, Seager (C), Maloney, Kealy (Whittingham 72’), Pendlebury, Owusu (Swann 89’), Milner-Smith (McNerney 66’), Aston, Laidlaw

Unused Subs: Bradbury, Tshaka

Goals: Seager 15’, 31’

Wimborne Town: Rodwell (GK), Eccott-Young (Walker 77’), Jackson (C), Roberts, Wright, Fletcher, Neale (Munn 71’), Burrows (Bedford 61’),Lovell, Roundell (Morgan 45’), Carmichael (Baker 77’)

Cautions: Carmichael 77’

Attendance: 1,156

Player of the Match: Ryan Seager