Paul Doswell takes the positives after the Hawks' Hampshire Senior Cup defence is ended by Southampton under-23s
Paul Doswell felt the Hawks’ Hampshire Senior Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Southampton under-23s provided them with plenty of positives.
Kornelius Hansen and Caleb Watts struck in the first half while Ramello Mitchell netted after the restart as the Saints’ youngsters recorded a 3-1 victory over the holders at AFC Totton.
Defender Dean Beckwith did pull a goal back for Doswell’s side with 15 minutes left but they suffered a first defeat in the competition since September 2016.
But the Hawks’ boss believes it was a beneficial run-out for his troops as full focus now turns to the National League South title race.
On-loan Watford under-23s goalkeeper Adam Parkes got his first minutes since arriving at the club earlier this month while a number of squad players also featured in the last-eight exit.
‘I think it was a good game on the night,’ said Doswell.
‘It got us a good look at the new goalkeeper we signed in Adam Parkes.
‘We also got three or four players minutes that haven’t played a lot.
‘We were up against a very pacey, mobile and technically good Southampton side.
‘Everyone knows the Hampshire Senior Cup was not my main priority this season.
‘But I’ve got to say the competition has worked out quite well for us.
‘The result was not that important to us, if I’m being honest.
‘It was important to get minutes into players legs that haven’t recently.
‘It gave us a chance to bring in a goalkeeper that we haven’t seen play for Havant yet.
‘It was really good to get him a game.’
Things could not have started any worse for the Hawks, who were two goals down inside six minutes.
Hansen’s curling effort fired them ahead after three minutes before Watts poked home a rebound two minutes later.
The Hawks recovered well, with Jonah Ayunga, Alfie Rutherford, Bedsente Gomis and Benny Read all spurning good chances before the break.
However, Doswell’s side’s hopes of winning the competition for a third season in succession were all but ended when Mitchell added a third after 72 minutes.
Defender Beckwith made it 3-1 16 minutes from time before Chris Paul struck the crossbar on 85 minutes but the Hawks bowed out.
Doswell’s troops’ full focus is now the 13 National League South game they have remaining as they aim to chase down leaders Wealdstone.