Hawks’ fine start has not surprised Dossie
Manager expected new-look side to begin 2019/20 season strongly
HAVANT & Waterlooville boss Paul Doswell admits his team’s impressive start to life back in the National League South has not taken him by surprise.
After 10 games, Doswell’s second-placed side are protecting the only unbeaten record left in the division – though they trail leaders Wealdstone by seven points.
Hawks have belted 23 goals so far – only Wealdstone (25) have more – while Jonah Ayunga is the division’s leading marksman with eight strikes.
Two of those came in Hawks’ last home game, a 3-1 win over lowly Hungerford.
Attendances are also healthy, with Hawks averaging 1,412 from their first five league games at Westleigh Park – the second best in the section behind Maidstone (1,872).
‘I’m enjoying it,’ said Doswell ahead of Braintree’s arrival tomorrow. ‘We could have had more points but I would have taken what we’ve got.
‘I expected us to start strong. I know it’s a new team but we got well-organised in pre-season – that’s credit to Bairdy (Ian Baird).
‘I’m pleased with the start we’ve made, but I’m not surprised by it.’
Braintree, relegated from the National League alongside the Hawks last term, lost their first three games of 2019/20.
But they have won five of their last seven to climb to eighth place. Chief goal threat could be one of many pre-season signings, ex-Colchester striker Femi Akinwande who has five league goals to his name already.
Hawks’ Andy Drury remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, and defender Dean Beckwith is out tomorrow having picked up a similar injury in the 2-2 draw at Maidstone last weekend.
Hawks’ thin squad is further stretched by striker Danny Kedwell still being far from fully fit due to a knee injury, though he has come off the bench in recent games. Tomorrow starts a run of three home games in eight days in three different competitions. Next Wednesday Hawks host Pompey Reserves in the Hampshire Senior Cup, while next Saturday Southern League Premier Division side Taunton Town arrive for an FA Cup second qualifying round tie. league goals Jonah Ayunga has scored for Hawks