Havant & Waterloooville  manager Lee Bradbury has called for his side to be fearless against Leyton Orient on Saturday. The Hawks welcome promotion chasing Orient to Westleigh Park and Bradbury knows his side are against the odds. Speaking to portmouth.co.uk “it is a game where we have nothing to lose. Leyton Orient are a massive club and the best we have faced this season.  I am expecting us to fight tooth and nail to get something from the game. We go into the game as big underdogs”.

• Sit 21st on 35 points – one point from safety
• No win in last five games – D3  L2
• Only two wins in last 11 league games – W2  D5  L4
• League Record – P17  W6  D5  L6  F28  A21

The Hawks head into the clash with Orient on the back of a 0-0 draw at FC Halifax last weekend. Despite playing against ten men for an hour, Havant were unable to force a winner and settled for a point. Bradbury spoke to Portsmouth.co.uk about the mixed emotions after the draw “we have come away from the game with mixed feelings. A point away from home is always a good one, under the circumstances though we should really have picked up all three”.

Last Six Results

It was their third 0-0 draw in their last five games against Halifax with Bradbury ruing the lack of creativity from his side. Only five teams have netted more than the Hawks in the league but the lack of the goals could be a concern at this stage of the season. Speaking to Portsmouth.co.uk “we didn’t create enough chances, that final ball and our decision making around the edge of the area was lacking. They were stubborn and hard to break down, it was a frustrating afternoon”.

• Failed to score in 13 league games (five at home)
• Scored in two of their last three games
• Failed in three of their last five home games
• Scored in seven of their last nine home league games

After back to back promotions, Havant found it hard at the start of the season winning just two of their opening 17 league games. Midfielder Theo Lewis revealed it took time to adjust to the new league but his side are ready to battle to stay in the division. Speaking to havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk “I think it was a big eye opener for everyone. It took a while to adapt to this league but now we have, we will give everything in these last 11 games and hopefully it will be enough to stay up”.

Havant’s Last Six Seasons and Finishing Position

• Kept seven league clean sheets (four at home)
• One in their last three
• Kept three in their last five
• Kept two in their last four home games
• Worse defensive record in league conceding 62 goals

Bradbury described the clash with Orient as a “free hit” with his eyes focused on the games following against their relegation rivals. The Hawks have taken 77% of their points against bottom half sides and Bradbury knows how important that could be at the end of the season. Speaking to Portsmouth.co.uk “it is all very tight at the bottom. We have a crucial run of games against teams around us in the league. It is important we keep picking up points in these games”.

Havant’s Next Six Fixtures

• Home League Record – P17  W6  D5  L6  F28  A21
• Only Aldershot 69% have taken a higher percentage of their points at home 66%
• Winless in last three – W1  L2
• One win in last six games – W1  D2  L3 
• Last win – 5/1/2019 – Havant 2-0 Barrow

Havant have only picked up one win against a top half side and despite their horrendous record, Bradbury is hoping his sides luck can change. Speaking to Portsmouth.co.uk “our record against the top teams isn’t great but that has to change at some point, hopefully this will be the game when it happens”. He added “if we are to cause a surprise then we will have to be fearless against a team like Orient. Chances are likely to be few and far between that means when they do come along we have to make sure we take them”.

• Taken just eight of their 35 points against top half
• No team has taken a lower percentage of points against top half than – 23%
• Conceded 27/62 league goals against the top seven – 43%
• Taken 3/24 points available against the top seven

Lewis has suffered relegation and promotion in his short spell with the Hawks but he is confident his side will beat the drop. The 27 year old has started their last two games and stated to havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk “the morale’s good, it’s always good in the camp. The chemistry of the boys is brilliant, easily the best group of lads I’ve ever played with at a club. We all get on, we all work for each other and we just go out and try and win every match”.

• Scored 66% of their goals (32/48) in the second half (20/28 home)
• Netted 16 in the final 15 minutes of matches – joint most with Orient
• 12 of their last 15 been netted in second period

Team News

Rory Williams is a doubt with a bruised foot while both Paul Robinson and Bradley Tarbuck are out through injury. Mike Carter returned from his loan spell but is unavailable through suspension.

Head to Head – One Previous Meeting

27/10/2018 – Leyton Orient 4-0 Havant & Waterlooville 

(Coulson 13, Lewis OG 18, Lee 39, Bonne 59)

Last Time Out – 23/10/2019 – FC Halifax 0-0 Havant & Waterlooville

Starting 11 vs FC Halifax

Prediction – Havant & Waterlooville 1-3 Leyton Orient