Hanwell won promotion to this division via the Isthmian League play-offs at the end of the 2021-22 season to play at Step 3 for the first time in their history. In the three seasons at this level, they’ve finished 14th, 17th (escaping relegation on goal difference), and, last season, a very creditable 8th which was one point and two places above Wimborne.
This season Chris Moore’s Geordies have had some spectacular results, and some disappointing ones. On the really positive side they are the only team to have inflicted a league defeat on runaway leaders Walton & Hersham (1-0 at home back in August); they thumped Hungerford 5-1 at Bulpit Lane; and last Saturday, after winning at St.Albans in the previous round, they travelled to Wales to knock National North high-flyers Merthyr Town out of the FA Trophy. On the disappointing side, on their home turf in the last six weeks, they lost 2-0 to Dorchester, and 4-0 to Taunton, before taking the points against Tiverton (2-0) on 8th November. After Tuesday’s 2-1 loss at Chertsey, Moore’s men sit 13th in the table with a W5 D3 L7 GF 18 GA 20 record. At home their league record is W3 D1 L3.
Hanwell’s squad includes some familiar non-league names: goalkeeper Sam Beasant, and midfielders Brad Clayton, ex Chesham, and Harry Hoath, ex Marlow. Alfie Pendlebury scored their goal on Tuesday evening.
For Wimborne on Tuesday evening at the Wyatt Homes Stadium, it was central defender Sam Roberts who bagged the only goal of the game against high-flying Gosport, as Tim’s team responded well to that late, late Chatham winner on Saturday in the FA Trophy. Tuesday’s 1-0 league win meant that The Magpies leap-frogged Borough into third place, the highest the Club has ever been in the non-league pyramid. Their league record for the season is now W8 D4 L3 GF 27 GA 13; on their travels it’s W2 D2 L3. Their last three league away results were: 0-1 at Walton & Hersham; 2-0 at Dorchester; and a fortnight ago 0-0 at Hungerford. The Magpies face a gruelling four league games in twelve days so expect the manager to rotate his squad according to the opposition. Kai Crampton, on a youth loan from AFCB, will again be in goal. But Sam Roberts will be missing, and there are injury doubts about Will Fletcher who was subbed off on Tuesday, and Joe Ryan.
Last season was the first time The Magpies and The Geordies had met. Cam Munn’s goal earned us the points at home on the opening day, while Matty Burrows and Jack Lovell scored in the 2-2 reverse fixture in January.
I really enjoyed that visit to Hanwell ten months ago. It’s a proper non-league stadium with fascinating extras like the double-decker London bus which acts as a pop-up cafe. And the welcome and hospitality we received was right up there with the best. I’m really looking forward to returning on Saturday.
Match Info:
- Hanwell’s Ground: The Powerday Stadium, Perivale Lane, Greenford, Middx UB6 8TL – c.100 miles.
- There are spaces on the team coach for supporters – please contact Paula if you’re interested.
- Gate Prices: Adult : £13; concessions : £8; U18s : £4 – all tickets £1 cheaper online.
- Average Att: 359
- Weather Forecast: Cloudy; 8oC; 70% chance of rain.
