A club with a number of Sutton connections, Havant are managed by former U’s favourite and Hall of Fame member Jamie Collins, who took over from Matt Gray’s predecessor at Sutton Paul Doswell in February. Likely to be in the Hawks’ line-up tomorrow are goalkeeper Ross Worner and midfielder Roarie Deacon, both members alongside Jamie Collins of the Sutton side that reached the fifth round of the FA Cup in 2017, and striker Callum Kealy, who featured in the National League championship squad in 2021. Another former Sutton favourite, Tommy Wright, left the Hawks during the summer to join Winchester City, but there have been some notable close-season signings including experienced defender Joe McNerney from Woking, full back Devante Stanley from St Albans and midfielder Tom Blair from Weymouth.
Friendlies start at Havant
For Sutton supporters it will be the first chance to see Matt Gray’s summer recruits to the squad, with seven new players already added after a number were released in May. U’s will be wearing the all black kit for the game, as was the case last season when Westleigh Park was also on the pre-season itinerary, Sutton coming from a goal down to win 2-1 thanks to Harry Beautyman’s penalty (above, celebrating with Craig Eastmond) and a Kwame Thomas header.
Admission is all pay on the gate, price £10 for adults and £5 for children. Westleigh Park is in Martin Road, postcode PO9 5TH, reached by leaving the A3(M) at junction 2 and taking the B2149 through Rowlands Castle, turning left in to Bartons Road just after the entrance to Staunton Country Park, then right in to Martin Road. There is no on site parking.
Havant station is about a 15 minute walk from the ground, although supporters should note that it is not possible to return to Sutton after the game by train without missing the last quarter of an hour. The closest you can get is East Croydon on the 22.15 (change at Gatwick and arrive at 00.17). If you want to get the train to the game, leave Sutton at 16.13 or 17.13, changing at Epsom and Guildford to arrive at 18.18 or 18.52. From the station exit from the eastbound platform, not the main exit, walk along Leigh Road until reaching the main road and then keep going until you see the ground on the right.
Unfortunately as last season we have been advised that Havant & Waterlooville are not permitting Mixlr commentaries for their pre-season friendlies so we are not able to provide a commentary on the game but will update regularly on Twitter.
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.