Bradbury encouraged with Hawks... friendly round-up

THE HAWKS bounced back from their heavy defeat against Pompey in midweek with a confident 3-0 win over Eastbourne Borough at Westleigh Park.
James Hayter. Picture: Mick YoungJames Hayter. Picture: Mick Young
James Hayter. Picture: Mick Young

James Hayter took his tally to four goals from three games with another brace and Theo Lewis also got on the scoresheet.

Lee Bradbury was pleased with the work ethic.

The Hawks boss said: ‘To beat a side that are likely to be top 10 in National League South next season is very encouraging.

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‘We started well which was something we didn’t do last season.

‘The players did a lot of running off the ball, moving well and supporting each other.

‘We also passed the ball well and could easily have scored a few more goals than we did.’

The arrival of new strikers, Jason Prior and Alfie Rutherford has increased competition for places.

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A lack of goals from the strikers last season was a real problem and Bradbury is determined to avoid a repeat.

He added: ‘The competition for places up top is a healthy one.

‘James Hayter has already upped his game and is in good form at the moment.

‘He is determined to make one of the forward spots his.

‘Though he is 37 years old he is a good finisher and has done it at a good level throughout his career.’

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The Hawks took the lead on 13 minutes when Theo Lewis thundered home a shot from a Brian Stock cross.

And 11 minutes later Ben Swallow crossed for Hayter to turn the ball into the net.

As the interval approached Lewis was brought down inside the area and Hayter made no mistake from the penalty spot.

AFC Portchester romped to a 5-1 win in their friendly at Hampshire League Liss Athletic.

Fareham Town lost 7-2 at Sussex League Pagham.

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Southern League Petersfield Town had two squads in pre-season action.

One group drew 1-1 at Wessex League premier division side Amesbury Town.

The other squad lost 4-1 at Wessex League division one team Romsey Town.