Havant and Waterlooville Assistant Manager Ian Baird was pleased with his sides overall performance in today’s 2-0 victory over Sutton United. 

A goal from Jonah Ayunga in each half saw the Hawks claim a third win in four in pre-season and for the Kenyan a third brace in four.

However, up the other end Ross Worner saved a penalty ten minutes into the second period to keep the score at 1-0.

And Baird was pleased with the players at both ends of the field against a dogged and determined Sutton side.

He said: “I’m very impressed. Throughout the game we looked organised and fit, we looked like we had plenty of legs in the side mixed in with experience.

“It’s a really pleasing result against a Conference National side we know really well, we know their players well. It was a pre-season friendly with a bit on it for both sides, both of us wanted to do well against each other and luckily for us we came out on top.”

The Hawks assistant boss rated todays performance amongst one of the best he has seen from the side in the short space of time working together.

“It’s along with the Bognor and Portsmouth games. All things at this moment in time seem to be going well, we’re building up for the start of the season.

“Me and Dos say that if we win every game in pre-season and you do well it doesn’t mean anything, but if you lose every game in pre-season it does mean something, so for us it is nice to win.”

The Hawks seem to be moving in an upward trajectory ahead of the start of the season, and Baird although level headed about the positive results so far in pre-season is pleased that the signs are positive.

“We’re edging nearer, we would say this is our second big test. Our third big test without disrespect to Winchester will be against Eastleigh but the analogy I’ve used before it doesn’t mean anything but it means something.

“Once again we’re really pleased with the performance today, especially the energy that was showed, the organisation that we showed, everybody seems to know what they’re doing, and luckily we’ve come out the game without any injuries.”