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By James Gray
Dorchester Town make the midweek trip to in-form Havant & Waterlooville on Wednesday (7:45pm KO) in the Southern League Premier South.
Havant have risen to midtable in recent weeks, after a surprisingly slow start in the league for a side that narrowly missed out to the Magpies last season on the final spot in the playoffs.
Dorchester boss Tom Killick will be hoping the trip to Hampshire can act as a springboard to emulate a similar upturn in fortunes for his own side.
However, he will also be all too aware of how tough a task that is likely to prove - especially when considered Havant have defeated three of the division's current top six clubs in their last six outings.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of Dorchester's trip to Havant & Waterlooville.
Havant & Waterlooville In Brief
Founded: 1998
Nickname: The Hawks
Stadium: Westleigh Park
Capacity: 5,300
Playing Surface: Artificial
League Position: 12th
One To Watch
You will struggle to find a more accomplished finisher at Step Three than the Hawks' Ryan Seager. The former Southampton striker was top scorer in the Southern League Premier South last season and is currently second (24) in the league's goalscoring charts this campaign.
Such is Seager's present form in front of goal - six goals in his last two appearances - that Dorchester's defence will be well advised to shut down the slightest attacking opportunity that comes his way on Wednesday.
The Gaffer
Aaron Martin was named Havant boss last November, replacing Shaun North. The role represents Martin's first as a head coach, having previously enjoyed a near two-decade playing career, which included spells with Southampton, Coventry City and Exeter City.
Martin took over a Havant side that was occupying 20th spot in the Southern League Premier South, and has since overseen an upturn in results which has moved the Hawks into midtable.
Previous Meeting
Last season, Dorchester and Havant's end of campaign hopes were inextricably linked as both battled it out for the league's last remaining play-off spot.
Amidst that race, the two clubs played out a pair of 1-1 draws - the most recent of which was staged at Westleigh Park in January 2025.
On that day it was Dorchester who took the lead, courtesy of a first half strike from Shaquille Gwengwe. Seager responded for the hosts shortly before half time, but, despite chances for both in the remainder of the match, the scoreline remained at 1-1 come the referee's full time whistle.
Form Guide
Magpies - WLWLL
Dorchester are winless in the league since early December, losing their last two matches to Weymouth and Uxbridge.
Hawks - WWWWD
Havant are among the form teams in the division, winning five of their previous six fixtures, including victories over Farnham Town, Sholing and Gosport Borough.
Magpies Mind-Boggler
1.) A former Dorchester and Havant player recently made headlines by scoring a winning brace for St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup final. Can you correctly name them?
2.) Wes Fogden has represented both Dorchester and Havant in his career, but which club has the midfielder enjoyed more separate playing spells at?
See answers at the bottom of page
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Team News
Winger Marcus Daws is expected to remain out for Dorchester due to injury, while Wes Fogden continues to be the Magpies' sole long-term absentee.
Admission Prices
Any supporters making the trip to Havant & Waterlooville can purchase their match tickets in advance and at a reduced price online via the link here. Prices are as follows:
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Students: £10
Aged 12 to 16: £2
Under 11s: Free
Travel Information
By Car: Directions on how to reach Westleigh Park by car can be found on Havant & Waterlooville's official website here. Supporters should please be advised that limited onsite parking is available, with free on road parking locally.
By Train: The nearest train station to Westleigh Park is Havant, which is roughly a 20-25 minute one-way walk.
Magpies Mind-Boggler Answers:
1.) Jonah Ayunga.
2.) Dorchester (Four separate playing spells), Havant (Two separate playing spells).