Hawks boss Paul Doswell will be hoping to make home comforts count this season, the first with the new 3G surface.

Havant and Waterlooville’s National League South campaign kicks off at the newly renamed Draper Tools Community Stadium against Maidstone United. 

The Stones, managed by Hakan Hayrattin, will like the Hawks be wanting to gain promotion to the National League at the second time of asking. 

Speaking to the Portsmouth News, Doswell said: “I was very disappointed with our home form last season and I believe the unpredictable nature of the pitch from October onwards played a part.

“This surface lets you play fast, attacking, passing football and will suit the way that Bairdy and I want our team to play.”

Two and a half months on from our last competitive fixture against Dartford in the play-offs, a new look squad and a new ethos of trying to encourage young talent to flourish, the gaffer hopes this energy can be translated into results on the pitch.

“It has been a long time coming and we are looking forward to the game. We have changed our squad from last season and have a different ethos.

“Last season we went with a lot of experience but this time around have a lot of good young hungry players in our squad.

“It is exciting working with them and their enthusiasm rubs off on everyone.

“Last season we had the best away record in the top six leagues and now must look to be better at home.

“We watched Maidstone play midweek on livestream and know it won’t be easy.”

The Hawks’ clash with Maidstone is available to watch on a live stream. HWFC Season Ticket Holders should look at an email sent by the Club with the link and information on watching the game for free, whilst other customers can watch for £8.99 by clicking here.

Quotes: Portsmouth News