Havant & Waterlooville boss Doswell to give players chance to ‘twist my arm’ in FA Trophy trip to Bracknell Town

He will make changes but still plans to field a very competitive side in the second round tie in Berkshire as he aims to keep the momentum going.

Young wingers Lucas Sinclair and Daniel Ajakaiye could well be handed their first starts after numerous sub appearances so far.

A cup tie against Isthmian League South Central opposition is the ideal occasion to give the pacy pair a chance to impress ahead of a busy league period taking in games on December 22, 26, 28 and January 2.

Goalkeeper Joe Tupper could also come in for his first start for Hawks.

The former Crystal Palace academy shot-stopper was a half-time sub for Ross Worner in Hawks’ opening game of 2020/21 - the FA Cup win over Horsham in early October.

But Tupper has not had any game time since.

Joe Iaciafano, on the bench in recent weeks, could also get a start as he bids for his first goal since the FA Cup win against Chatham on October 14.

Moussa Diarra is out injured after landing awkwardly during Saturday’s impressive 3-0 National League South win at Ebbsfleet.

Craig Robson, who came on and scored the opening goal, will start in Diarra’s absence.

Billy Clifford, who started on the bench at Ebbsfleet, could come in as Bedsente Gomis has a slight hamstring injury.

Elsewhere, Christian Rowe is available after a hamstring injury and will be in the squad. The midfielder’s only appearance so far was as a sub against Chatham.

Theo Widdrington trained on his own yesterday, but is unlikely to feature before Hawks next play a league game.

Hawks should certainly have the edge on Bracknell in terms of match fitness.

The hosts have only played one competitive game since October 25, and that was last week’s impressive 1-0 Trophy victory at one tier higher Salisbury.

Bracknell didn’t play in the final qualifying round at the end of October as scheduled opponents Cinderford withdrew after positive Covid-19 tests.

They also sat out the whole of November due to the national lockdown affecting all levels below the National League.

‘The priority is the league and that means next Tuesday’s game at Welling,’ said Doswell.

‘But the Trophy gives some players a chance to twist my arm by showing what they can do.

‘We’ll field a good side - we’ve only got an 18-man squad, it’s not as if I’m going to be plucking 18-year-olds from the youth team.

‘We’ve just enjoyed our best week of the season - seven points against Chelmsford, Slough and Ebbsfleet.

‘At the weekend (at Ebbsfleet) we played probably as well as we can.

I want to keep the momentum going.’

Should Hawks beat Bracknell, they will host either Braintree or Billericay in the third round of the Trophy this Saturday.

And with both those clubs in the bottom three of National League South, Hawks know they have a good chance of making the last 32.

Doswell will also know, however, that Hawks lost to a step 4 club - Marine - in the FA Cup just a few weeks ago. And like Bracknell, Marine had hardly played in the weeks leading up to that second round tie.

To exit the Trophy in similarly embarrassing fashion against another one from that level would be another shock.

Bracknell - managed by ex-Wealdstone boss Bobby Wilkinson - are fifth in the Isthmian South Central. They have only played five games, winning four and drawing one, and would go top if they won their matches in hand.

Seb Bowerman, top scorer this season with 10 goals, appears the main threat.

Hawks will take their seasonal cup prize money to over £100,000 if they win tonight and again on Saturday.

The reward for a second round win is £3,750, rising to £4,500 in the third round.

The club made over £90,000 from their FA Cup run in prize money and television fees.

Due to Hawks’ ‘elite’ status, none of their fans are allowed to attend tonight’s tie at Larges Lane.