Havant & Waterlooville secretary Trevor Brock has saluted striker James Taylor for fighting through the pain barrier to help try and pull the club out of a potentially disastrous slump.

The Woolston-based marksman - golden boot winner for the Dr Martens Premier Division last season - is still struggling with the ankle ligament injury he picked up at the start of December.

After six weeks on the sidelines, Taylor returned to action in mid-January but admits he probably came back too soon.

He got a chance to rest while serving a suspension for his Hampshire Senior Cup dismissal at Fareham Town, but the ankle is still playing him up.

Hawks travel to Trophy quarter-finalists Hednesford Town tonight looking to halt a dismal run of results that has left the former joint league leaders struggling in 17th position in the table - short of the top-13 cut required for Conference 2 football next season.

Secretary Brock said: "All credit to James for putting himself on the line for the club.

"He's not as effective as the James Taylor we all know, but at least he's going out there and giving it 110 per cent."

Taylor, meanwhile, says the players will rally round for team boss Dave Leworthy, who has had a nightmare start to his managerial career.

The former Bashley striker said: "It wasn't the greatest time for Dave to get the job, but everyone likes him and we will all work hard to put things right.

"We've had lot of injuries, but all is not lost. I'd be surprised if we don't finish in the top 13 once everyone is fit and playing again."