Havant & Waterlooville host National League side Sutton United on Saturday as preparations for the 2019/20 season continue. 

The Hawks will go into the game full of confidence after an impressive display from the whole squad in the 2-1 defeat to League One side Portsmouth last week. 

However, the team will look to get back to winning ways just like they did earlier in preseason against Alresford Town and Bognor Regis Town. 

Saturday will be a memorable day for many players and staff at the club as Sutton United is a team they are closely connected to. 

Players such as Dean Beckwith, Jonah Ayunga, Ross Worner, Roarie Deacon, Nicky Bailey, Josh Taylor, manager Paul Doswell and assistant manager Ian Baird all signed this summer from The U’s and will no doubt all be excited over the prospect of coming up against their former side. 

Hawks number 10, Ayunga will be keen to get back in amongst the goals after scoring four goals in three games. The Westleigh Park faithful will hope he can take his scorching hot form in front of goal into the game on the weekend.

Sutton United will be arriving at Westleigh Park raring to go having won both of their previous preseason fixtures this term. They opened their preparations with a convincing 3-0 win over Slough Town and followed up the result with a 2-1 win against Tonbridge Angels three days later. 

Aaron Jarvis will be the player to watch from the visiting side as he has netted three goals in two games prior to the Saturdays clash. 

Ian Baird has shared his thoughts on how the squad have been throughout his first preseason since returning to the club: “It’s been so far, so good. They’ve done everything we have asked them to do. We don’t make it complicated; we make sure our sides are disciplined, organised and has a structure to it. We are into the third week of preseason and it’s getting close now.” 

Our Kenyan international also spoke about his impressive preseason campaign so far: “I am enjoying my time down here. I’m back scoring goals and I can’t ask for anything more. 

“Over the summer I’ve had a few chats with Dos [Paul Doswell] and he knows what I need to improve on, and I know what I want to do and it’s falling into place at the moment.” 

Make sure you keep up with all match day information and updates through the website and our official Twitter account @HWFCOfficial.

By Liam Rice (Liam_Rice9)