This is the re-scheduled fixture which was postponed on 4th January.

You may recall that, in the summertime, Hanwell made their first-ever visit to Wimborne for our season opener when Cam Munn’s 67th minute goal got the party started on our return to the Southern Prem. The Geordies, who were formed just over 100 years ago by a group of Newcastle United supporting railway workers, have since gone on to have the third best away record in the division behind Merthyr and Totton. They currently sit 10th in the table with an overall W9 D8 L9 GF 36 GA 36 record – that away record is W6 D3 L5, winning their last three away games at Marlow (2-0), Poole (2-0) and Basingstoke (4-3).

Frustratingly for manager Chris Moore, The Geordies’ home league form has not been so good – W3 D5 L4: the victories over Bracknell (3-1), Supermarine (1-0) and Marlow (2-0) were all back in August; the draws were with Gloucester, Winchester, Hungerford, Gosport and on 18th January Tiverton. But they did achieve home success in FA competitions: knocking Sheppey out of the FA Cup 6-0, and Hendon in the FA Trophy 5-0. Since September home league goals have been like an elusive butterfly, a mere three in eight games all scored by Jordan Edwards. Beware though, the striker has notched 21 goals for The Geordies in league and cup games this campaign, and is bang in-form with eight in their last seven fixtures.

Edwards isn’t the only one to keep an eye on – Daniel Carr, three in the last two, and Joseph Waight are also on form. A familiar name in Moore’s squad is goalkeeper Sam Beasant, who previously played against us for Chesham. Sam was chosen for the Premier South’s team of the season for 2023-24. He is the son of former Wimbledon and England keeper Dave.

Wimborne are eight places and six points below Hanwell, albeit with a game in hand. The Magpies’ away form is even less impressive than The Geordies at home: W2 D2 L8 – only Marlow have gathered fewer points on their travels. Our last three results on the road were a 1-0 win at Sholing, a 2-2 draw at Taunton, and a 1-0 loss on Tivvy’s muddy field.

Looking at the current form (last six games) table, The Magpies have a W2 D2 L2 record, while for The Geordies, and get ready to do the Ted Rogers’ hand gesture from the 80s TV show, it’s 3-2-1.

Moore’s men didn’t play on Saturday, while Tim’s team, for the second match running, struggled to find the net despite creating the most opportunities, and, as a result of Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Bracknell, are now hovering uncomfortably just above the relegation zone with a W8 D5 L12 GF 30 GA 41 record. The Magpies’ manager is likely to make changes again, with long-time injury absentee Drew Eccott-Young a possible to return to the squad.

A mid-week journey of 100 miles is a tough ask of young men who have jobs and families, but such is the lot of semi-professional footballers and their management team. The boys will be keen to make our first-ever visit to Hanwell a successful one. Three points for The Magpies would lift us to 14th; three points for The Geordies could lift them to 8th. COYM!

Hanwell’s ground: The Powerday Stadium, Perivale Lane, Greenford, Middx UB6 8TL – c.100 miles

There are places available on the team coach – contact Paula if you’re interested.

Gate prices: Adult : £13; concessions : £8; U18s : £5.

Average att: 258

Please note that Hanwell’s home match against Dorchester last Saturday was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch. Do check the websites and socials before travelling in case a pitch inspection is necessary.

If you are attending be aware that The Geordies play in black and white too!

Weather forecast: cloudy; 9oC; 50% chance of rain.