Horndean hopeful of bringing in bright National League South prospect from Hawks

Teenage Hawks prospect Leon Baker could complete a dual-signing deal with Horndean in time for their Wessex League Premier Division trip to AFC Stoneham.
Hawks midfielder Leon Baker Picture: Havant & Waterlooville FCHawks midfielder Leon Baker Picture: Havant & Waterlooville FC
Hawks midfielder Leon Baker Picture: Havant & Waterlooville FC

Hawks boss Paul Doswell had spoken of his desire to find Baker, 17, a short-term switch to a Wessex Premier outfit to continue his promising development.

And it looks as though the Deans could be his destination, with the youngster holding discussions with manager Michael Birmingham.

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Baker has been a standout in the club's Havant & Waterlooville Pro:Direct Academy set up and was recently rewarded with a development contract at Westleigh Park and has been regularly training with the first-team.

Now Horndean could provide a temporary home for the bright prospect as he looks to get some minutes in senior football.

Should he link up with the Deans, he'll be joining a side currently sitting top of the Wessex Premier and pushing to be crowned champions this season.

Horndean, currently without a win in three matches in all competitions, face another difficult task on Saturday as they head to fifth-placed AFC Stoneham.

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They inflicted a first league defeat of the season on the Deans in September and boss Birmingham told his troops to get set for another almighty battle.

He said: ‘Stoneham are a good team, they were the first team to beat us at our place earlier in the season, they deserved it as well.

‘They’re a very good side, very powerful, they like to play the ball forward early doors and like to hit you on the counter-attack - they’re a good, honest side. It’s going to be a real, real tough game, we know that.

‘What we’ve got to do is not lose faith, confidence and belief in what we’re trying to do - who knows what could happen Saturday - you could have a little bit of luck or you go through the game and not have any luck.’

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