HAVANT & Waterlooville have shown their faith in manager Lee Bradbury by handing him a new two-year deal.

After losing their National League South status last season, the Hawks have come back fighting in the Ryman Premier Division.

They are locked in a titanic two-way battle with south coast neighbours Bognor Regis Town to seal the title and automatic promotion back to non-League’s second tier.

Former Pompey striker Bradbury, 41, said: “I am very happy to have signed a new two-year contract to remain at Havant & Waterlooville FC.

“This is a great honour for me and I look forward to continuing to work with everyone here as we all strive to push the club forward.

“Havant & Waterlooville are a great football club and I am very proud to be part of them.”

The Cowes-born ex-AFC Bournemouth boss added: “My aim is to eventually take the club up to the Conference National.

"That is something the chairman (Derek Pope) has wanted ever since I have been here and I want to deliver that for him.

"But, first and foremost, we have to get ourselves promoted this season.”

Havant, a point adrift of leaders Bognor with three games to go, travel to Canvey Island on Good Friday.

Intriguingly, the Hawks then host The Rocks at Westleigh Park on Easter Monday (3pm).

Whichever of the two finishes second will be handed another shot at promotion via the play-offs.