Doswell urging supporters to give big backing
Paul Doswell called on
Hawks supporters and football fans from across the area to come out in force and play their part in helping the club's bid to secure a National League South playoff place this weekend.
The Hawks are envisaging a sizeable crowd of potentially around 3,000 for what will be their final home game of the season tomorrow.
There is so much riding on it for Doswell's side, as a final-day win or draw against Chippenham will secure a seventh-placed finish and a play-off spot.
But the visiting Bluebirds - sitting in eighth position know victory would see them claim a remarkable play-off place.
'People from within the club think there's going to be between 2,000 to 3,000 people here which is going to be huge,' said boss Doswell.
'I know Chippenham, to their credit, they've already sold their first coach to come down and they'll come in some numbers.
'If anyone can get down here on Saturday to help us, it would make a huge difference, (entry is) just £6 for Pompey season-ticket holders, we've given out all the 'FlexLeigh' tickets as well.
'It'll be great for every person who cares about the club to come down on Saturday and cheer us on.'
Hawks secretary Trevor Brock is calling on anyone attending the game to arrive in plenty of time.
‘Please don’t turn up at ten to three and expect to get in as you would normally do,’ he stated. ‘People will need to arrive early.’
To cope with the expected demand, the club will have eight turnstiles open - three more than usual.
The Westleigh pub will also be open at 11am - an hour earlier than usual - with possibly an outside bar if the weather is nice.
Brock is also warning supporters not to park on the verges outside Westleigh Park ‘as the traffic wardens are normally out on occasions like this.’
The crowd on Saturday should, hopefully, surpass the current seasonal high of 1,711 recorded for Dorking’s visit in early January.