Denmead sign Hawks physio as they target Hampshire Premier League promotion

Jake Travis - seen here in PPE during Hawks' recent National League South play-off loss to Dartford at Westleigh Park - is joining Denmead as a player. Photo by Dave Haines

The club exceeded all expectations in 2019/20 after stepping up to Saturday football, having previously played in the Meon Valley Sunday League.

Paul Goddard’s side were second when the season was halted, having won 13 of their 20 Division 1 games.

They also reached the semi-finals of the HPL Cup - losing 1-0 to top flight heavyweights Bush Hill - and knocked out three divisions higher AFC Portchester in the Portsmouth Senior Cup.

Denmead have signed the versatile Dan Broad, who has played HPL Senior Division football for both Clanfield and Hayling.

Jake Travis - who was Hawks’ physio last season - is also new in.

Striker Callum Trevaskis has rejoined Denmead after a season out of football due to work commitments.

The final new face is defender James Martin, who has moved from the midlands to the south coast to work. He has previously played at the equivalent of Wessex League level in the Birmingham area.

Ryan Daunton - a regular in Denmead’s defence last term - is unlikely to be available due to his work in the forces. The same applies to Nathan Chubb, who made five appearances in 2019//20.

Denmead are starting their pre-season friendlies this weekend against Clanfield at Front Lawn.

That will also be the venue for Denmead’s much-delayed 2019/20 Portsmouth Senior Cup quarter-final against Moneyfields on Tuesday, September 8.

The Portsmouth & District FA are determined to play last season’s cup competitions to a conclusion, which means a glamour tie for the HPL minnow against a Moneys team four steps higher in the non-league pyramid.

The winners will meet Fareham Town in the semi-final for the right to face Baffins Milton or Horndean in the final.

Goddard said: ‘It’s nice the Moneyfields game will be played - it’s a nothing to lose and everything to gain game.’

Regarding to the HPL season, he added: ‘Last season we were in a promotion place when we finished, and promotion to the Senior Division is the target next year.’