Doswell excited about Havant & Waterlooville’s new artificial era – starting against Maidstone

Manager Paul Doswell is hoping the surface will prove a catalyst in helping the Hawks launch another promotion bid.

Last season the Hawks lost out in the semi-finals of the play-offs against Dartford.

Doswell has not only changed the playing surface but also drafted in a raft of new players in a bid to return to the top flight of English non-league football.

'From a football perspective we have chosen and invested in the best pitch that money can buy,' he explained.

Hawks’ home form prevented them winning the title last season. Unbeaten away from Westleigh Park, they only won eight out of 17 times on home soil.

They drew four matches and lost five, ending up with the lowest home points total of any team in the top seven.

Maidstone were one of the teams who beat them at Westleigh Park.

‘I was very disappointed with our home form last season and I believe the unpredictable nature of the pitch from October onwards played a part,’ stated Doswell.

'This surface lets you play fast, attacking, passing football and will suit the way that Bairdy and I want our team to play.'

The Hawks opened their competitive season last Sunday with a 2-1 FA Cup win against Horsham in a tie played at Nyewood Lane, the home of Sussex neighbours Bognor Regis Town.

Since the Hawks’ last regular league season game at Dorking on March 14, Doswell has signed Billy Clifford, Theo Widdrington, Tommy Wright, Joe Iaciofano, Moussa Diarra, Godfrey Poku, Christian Rowe, Lucas Sinclair, Dan Ajakaije and goalkeeper Joe Tupper.

Clifford, Widdrington, Wright and Iaciafano all started against Horsham with Tupper, Sinclair and Ajakaije coming off the bench.

Hawks missed out on the opening night of National League South fixtures in midweek, after being given a bye.

This arose because the division is operating one team short, following Bury's expulsion from the Football League, and with just one southern team (Ebbsfleet) relegated from the National League

Maidstone, meanwhile, began their league campaign on Tuesday with a 2-1 home win against Welling United. They trailed at the break but ex-Eastleigh striker Scott Rendell levelled and another debutant, right back Charlie Seaman - on a season-long loan from Doncaster Rovers - grabbed the winner.

Midfielder Josh Taylor is missing for Hawks as he sits out the second game of his three-match ban after his red card in the play-offs.

Doswell believes his new-look squad are raring to get started in the league.

'It has been a long time coming and we are looking forward to the game,' he enthused.

'We have changed our squad from last season and have a different ethos.

'Last season we went with a lot of experience but this time around have a lot of good young hungry players in our squad.

'It is exciting working with them and their enthusiasm rubs off on everyone.

'Last season we had the best away record in the top six leagues and now must look to be better at home.

‘We watched Maidstone play in midweek on livestream and know it won't be easy.'

Doswell is pleased to have some of his injured players back in training including Poku and Diarra.