Havant and Waterlooville v Ebbsfleet United

This Saturday sees a return to FA Trophy action for Ebbsfleet United and this presents them with a chance of progressing as they travel to Hampshire to face fellow Skrill South side Havant and Waterlooville.

Havant and Waterlooville FC

Founded – 1998

Nickname – The Hawks

Stadium – West Leigh Park

Manager – Lee Bradbury

Captain – Scott Bevan

Last season's finish - 10^th

Current position - 13^th

Top scorer – Sahr Kabba – 12 (all competitions)

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers – Scott Bevan, Charlie Searle.

Defenders – Danny Blanchett, Ed Harris, Pedro Monteiro, Jake Newton, Joe Noakes, Dan Strugnell, Ryan Woodford.

Midfielders – Nic Ciardini, Eddie Hutchinson, Christian Nanetti, Steve Ramsey, Perry Ryan, Harry Wedlake,

Attackers – Dennis Oli, Scott Jones, Sahr Kabba, Alex Przpolewski

THE FORM GUIDE

After a slow start to the season, the Hawks are now nine games unbeaten in all competitions and they'll look to continue that fine run of form when the Fleet visit West Leigh Park. The Hawks' last last came away to Bromley on November 23 with goals from Pierre Joseph-Dubios and Ashley Nicholls giving the hosts a 2-0 win.

LAST FIVE MATCHES

Farnborough 2-2 Havant and Waterlooville

Havant and Waterlooville 3-0 Gosport Borough

Havant and Waterlooville 3-1 Whitehawk – FA Trophy replay

Whitehawk 1-1 Havant and Waterlooville – FA Trophy

Sholing 0-3 Havant and Waterlooville – Hampshire Senior Cup

KEY PLAYER

Sahr Kabba. The young striker has been Havant's star player this season and has contributed with twelve goals in all competitions (nine in league action). Troubled by injuries in the past, it looks as though the 24 year old is past that and eager to progress up the footballing ladder. The following snippet is taken from the Havant and Waterlooville official website:

“Sahr can only be described as ‘unplayable’ when he is in full flow. His acceleration and balance is extraordinary. With his ‘fitness problem’ now a thing of the past an increase on his 11 goal tally last season would see him pushing towards the Football League and a full-time career. His unselfish play and great temperament make him an important first team player.”

Manager Lee Bradbury should have a near full squad to choose from.

FA TROPHY CAMPAIGN SO FAR

All three of the Hawks' previous round games have been against fellow Skrill South sides so this Saturday will be a familiar thing for them. Can they add a fourth?

Sutton United 1-2 Havant and Waterlooville

Basingstoke Town 0-0 Havant and Waterlooville (Hawks won the replay 1-0)

Whitehawk 1-1 Havant and Waterlooville (Hawks won the replay 3-1)

Ebbsfleet United

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers – Preston Edwards, Brendon Hall.

Defenders – Osei Sankofa, Aiden Palmer, Joe Howe, Shane Huke, Paul Lorraine, Chris Sessegnon

Midfielders – Michael Corcoran, Stacy Long, Dean Rance, Tom Phipp, Daryl McMahon, Anthony Cook, Michael West.

Strikers – Ben May, Billy Bricknell, Michael Thalassitis (on loan from Stevenage), Alex Osborn (on loan from Dagenham).

THE FORM GUIDE

The Fleet's run of nine straight wins was brought to a disappointing halt over the Christmas period as their title aspirations ended thanks to losses against Dover Athletic and Bromley.

LAST FIVE MATCHES

Ebbsfleet United 1-3 Bromley

Ebbsfleet United 0-2 Dover Athletic

Bromley 0-0 Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United 2-0 Sutton United

Whitstable Town 1-2 Ebbsfleet United – FA Trophy

KEY PLAYER

Anthony Cook. The winger will be key for the Fleet if they're to progress into the next round. The former Chelmsford man is vital in creating opportunities for himself and others and plenty of times this season we have seen that if you stop Cook, you stop the Fleet.

TEAM NEWS

Ben May and Daryl McMahon have struggled with niggling injuries of late but it is unknown whether they'll be fit at the weekend. Dean Rance is suspended for two matches after picking up his 10^th booking on New Year's Day. Former attacking midfielder Michael West re-signed for the Club on a free transfer from Crewe last week and will be available to begin his second spell with the Fleet.

TROPHY CAMPAIGN SO FAR

Ebbsfleet United 4-1 Bromley

Ebbsfleet United 3-0 Gloucester City

Whitstable Town 1-2 Ebbsfleet United

The Fleet made it to the second round with relative ease but struggled to overcome a resilient Whitstable Town side. With 400+ Fleet fans beginning to settle for a replay, Michael Thalassitis' late cross-come-shot looped over the Town keeper to set up this tie.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Due to the Club only being formed in 1998, Havant have only met the Fleet four times since then with the Fleet winning three of them.

Havant and Waterlooville 1-2 Gravesend and Northfleet – FA Trophy – 16.12.06

Havant and Waterlooville 2-3 Ebbsfleet United – Blue Square Bet South – 12.02.11

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Havant and Waterlooville – Blue Square Bet South – 12.03.11

Ebbsfleet United 0-0 Havant and Waterlooville – Skrill South – 10.08.13

If you're able to attend the match then admission prices are as follows (taken from the Havant and Waterlooville website):

ADULTS - £13
CONCESSIONS - £8

If you're unable to make the match then please follow @EUFCofficial or @HavantWvilleFC for match updates and reaction. 

LIVE match commentary here - http://www.hawksfm.co.uk/home/4580419897 

With over 1,000 fans expected at West Leigh Park including 200+ Fleet fans it is sure to be a great occasion.

COME ON YOU REDS!