It’s 15th against 21st at Treyew Road as Truro City entertain league strugglers Havant.

Source: Footballexclusives.co.uk Link

Written by Max Whittle - Havant & Waterlooville

The fixture is the first league game for Havant since the departure of former manager Shaun Gale, who was sacked after the Hawks’ 3-2 defeat at Basingstoke Town last week.

The board’s decision came to a head after the Westleigh Park outfit dropped into the relegation places following a dreadful run of results.

But it is not all doom and gloom after the Hawks beat League One Bournemouth 3-2 on Tuesday in a friendly on home turf.

It was Steve Johnson’s – assistant manager and most likely number one for the rest of the season – first full game in charge and the result will only inspire his young side to move forward and get themselves out of trouble.

Other positive news for the travelling Hawks tomorrow is the form of newcomer Christian Nanetti. The Italian winger has scored in every one of his side’s last three games and looks like the real deal.

If Havant wish to maintain his services then keeping their Blue Square South status is paramount. The speedy winger has given Havant much needed pace down the flanks and some inspiring invention and creativity.

Other team news includes striker Ollie Palmer’s suspension for the game following his sending off against Tonbridge in their last home league game.

The youngster has had a good season for the Hawks, leading to some big clubs watching him. Even so, the suspension comes at a bad time for Havant and the front-man is disappointed not to be involved.

He said: “It would be a good game to be a part of, so it’s a shame to miss such an important one, but I know the boys will be doing their best and hopefully grind out the three points.”

Palmer also had some words for his side’s current plight and the team mentality going into the Truro clash.

“At the end of the day all of the boys will be looking to win and will have their head on the game. They’ll be thinking about the game which is the most important thing now.

“We need to push on and look at getting three points and take a victory away at Truro. They are in the same position as us and they’ll be looking to get maximum points as well so it will be a tough game.”

Truro go into the game following a 1-1 draw away at Staines Town, a result which helped Havant to keep pace with the teams above them.

Staines are currently just one point and one place above the Hawks, so with a win the away side can leapfrog Staines and potentially get out of the drop zone.

With just six games to go, every match is a cup final. It may be a cliché, but it is one that Havant & Waterlooville have to take seriously because results are the only thing that matter at this stage.