Out of our club archive, some profiles belong to teams we have only played in friendly matches – such as Havant & Waterlooville. In this case, it was a 2005 summer meeting that took us down to Westleigh Park. Before that and indeed since (at time of writing), we Havant had any reason to meet in a competitive fixture.
Havant & Waterlooville: The Facts
Westleigh Park
Martin Road, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 5TH
Now, it won’t shock you to learn that we have a merger involved in the formation of the Hawks. Specifically, the two teams that came together were Havant Town and Waterlooville. The merger took place in 1998; the new club using Havant Town’s Westleigh Park venue. Both played in the Southern League Southern Division during the 1997-8 season. So, it stands to reason the new club would take a place in that same competition for their maiden season.
It was a successful first season too; the Hawks winning the title and – with it – promotion up to the Premier Division. There were a couple of strong seasons and a couple of mediocre ones. That’s about the long and the short of it. Ultimately, it’s all irrelevant because they got a place in the newly-formed Conference South division in 2004. After a period of relative consistency, things really kicked off in the mid-2010s. There was a relegation to the Isthmian Premier, then a promotion to the National League.
In each instance, the Tigers were back in Conference/National League South within one season away.
How to get to Havant & Waterlooville – Travel Information – Distance: 97 miles
By Road
With a bit of luck, we’ll keep this one nice and simple by car. It starts with getting yourself around the counter-clockwise M25; leaving at Junction 10 for the A3. This is key because ending up on the M3 won’t do you too many favours.
You’ll remain on the A3 for around 40 miles. When you continue onto the A3(M), keep an eye out for Junction 2 (B2149); this will be your exit for Emsworth. Take the first exit at the roundabout after leaving the motorway and head down the B2149 past Keydell Nurseries.
After three miles, turn left into Bartons Road. Then take the first right after West Leigh (a recreational ground) for Martin Road. The ground is around here.
There’s limited free parking at the ground, as well as free on-street parking nearby.
By Rail
Station: HAVANT
Services to: LONDON WATERLOO
At just over a mile, the walk from Havant station is just about doable. Leave the station to the north, coming out onto Leigh Road. Turn left from Leigh Road into Elmleigh Road and follow the road around to the roundabout. Just before, however, go right into Civic Centre Road and walk past the front of the council offices.
At the end of the road, turn right onto the dualled Petersfield Road and follow this all the way up until the junction with Stockheath Road. Opposite is a short path to Martin Road. Turn right down here and the ground is on the left after a matter of steps.