Havant & Wville vs Chertsey Town Match Recap - Nov 26, 2025

Havant & Wville and Chertsey Town Share the Spoils in a Hard-Fought Draw

Chertsey Town's inability to capitalize on their early lead against Havant & Wville highlights their ongoing inconsistency. After a promising start with MacLaren finding the net in the first half, Chertsey failed to maintain momentum, allowing Havant to equalize through Whittingham in the second half. This result leaves Chertsey in 11th place with 20 points, struggling to find a rhythm after alternating between wins and losses in recent weeks.

Havant's recent form shows a glimmer of hope despite their lowly position in 20th place. The draw against Chertsey follows a much-needed victory over Weymouth, suggesting that they may be turning a corner. Giwa-McNeil, who has been pivotal in their recent resurgence, continues to be a key figure for Havant, providing both energy and creativity in attack. This match marks a continuation of their fight for survival, as they now sit on 12 points after 14 matches.

Chertsey's recent performances have been marked by volatility, with two wins followed by a disappointing loss to Gloucester City just before this match. The inconsistency is evident in their inability to build on positive results, as seen in their commanding 4-0 victory over Evesham United. Mazzone, who has been instrumental in their attacking play, was unable to influence the game significantly against Havant, reflecting the team's struggle to maintain pressure when it matters most.

The draw serves as a reminder of Havant's defensive improvements. After a series of heavy defeats earlier in the season, they have tightened up at the back, conceding fewer goals in recent outings. This newfound resilience was crucial against Chertsey, who have historically troubled them. The defensive unit, led by Whittingham, managed to contain Chertsey's attacking threats effectively, showcasing their growth as a team.

Statistically, both teams exhibited contrasting styles throughout the match. Chertsey maintained slightly more possession but struggled to convert that into clear-cut chances. Their average possession rate of nearly 50% over the last five matches indicates a tendency to control the ball without making it count. Havant, on the other hand, focused on counter-attacking opportunities, which paid off when they equalized.

The head-to-head history between these two teams adds another layer of intrigue. Chertsey had previously dominated their encounters, winning the last meeting convincingly. This draw not only disrupts that trend but also serves as a psychological boost for Havant, who can take confidence from holding a mid-table team to a stalemate.

Looking ahead, both teams face critical matches that could define their seasons. Havant will travel to Tiverton Town, where they must build on this momentum if they hope to escape the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Chertsey will host Plymouth Parkway, needing to find consistency and capitalize on home advantage to climb the table.

The draw at Westleigh Park encapsulates the ongoing struggles and potential of both teams. For Havant & Wville, it represents a step forward in their quest for survival, while for Chertsey Town, it raises questions about their ability to seize opportunities and solidify their mid-table standing. As the season progresses, both teams must harness their strengths and address their weaknesses if they are to achieve their respective goals.