Keep On Smiling! Hawks' Enjoyment Is The Key To The Title

Lee Bradbury told his Havant & Waterlooville players to keep on enjoying the journey as they secured a huge win at Welling United on Saturday.

The Hawks are holding their nerve at the top of the National League South with many predicting dropped points at Park View Road against the in-form Wings.

That didn’t happen thanks to the 1-0 win. His players embracing the title race and not worrying about what might happen seems to be the key.

“I thought that was a big performance from us. It was hard earned,” boss Bradbury told the National League’s Oli Osborn.

“Welling are a good side; strong and organised and have experience and quality.

“It was always going to be a tight affair. We changed to a different formation again and we have to find a way to win games - I’m not one of those managers who plays only one way.

“Ryan Young made a great save from Jack Jebb. If we go 1-0 down I don’t think we get back into the game so it was a crucial - it allowed us to go on and win the game 1-0.”

Smiling could be the key to success this season - and Bradbury thinks his squad’s outlook on things may be critical.

“We didn’t expect to be up there,” he said. “I’ve told the players we are overachieving, nobody would have through a side who were in the Ryman League last season would be top but we are.

“I’ve told them to just enjoy it but to try and stay in it. We know if we put in a shift, we have the quality to go out and hurt people.

“We’ve got the best defensive record in the league and if we carry on playing how we are then we’ve got a great chance.”

Where next?

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Mellon Pleased With Rovers Win At Best Time Of The Season Tranmere Rovers boss Micky Mellon says his side know now is all about the results as they moved up to 4th in the table.

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