W/c 17th April

Well where do we start…

The 22/23 season is over and I’m sure we all couldn’t be more proud of the players along with Chris and his team. It’s been a roller coaster at times however, I keep reminding myself that’s nothing new. Plus I’m sure none of us would have it any other way. So, here’s to our second season at Step 3 !!!

What’s been happening this week?

On Saturday…we played at home against Hartley Wintney: 

• Hanwell began on the front foot and with Calum linking up well with the Kain, they threatened time and again.
• Before ten minutes were up both Calum’s and Dan Carr’s headers had forced full length saves in the visitors’ goal. Kain, Hutchy and Mat had further efforts on the goal. The deserved goal finally came when Calum slotted home Hutchy’s pull back in the 14th minute.
• The game quietened down after that for a period but ten minutes before half-time the vital second goal came. This time it was Kain adding to his tally for the top goal scorer. 
• In the 65th minute Hartley then scored their first goal. Thankfully Hanwell responded immediately when Rushy made a cross with his left foot which was headed in by Calum to restore our two goal advantage.
• The final 15 minutes saw three substitutions, including our U18s player Sonny West.
• The game started to drift a bit as it looked all over bar the shouting. To their credit however Hartley Wintney went down fighting and substitute Harry Cooksley made the back of net with just three minutes to go. 
• The visitors went on to make the final minutes of the campaign a little uncomfortable for the home team and supporters.
• The final score was 3-2 to Hanwell with an attendance of 336.
• Thanks to Malcolm Paice who provides all our home match reports which are added to both our match day programme and the website. This week we’ve extracted parts of the match report to make the above summary.

We must also take the opportunity thank Mr Bob Fisher who writes the match reports for our away games.

• We collected items for Ealing Foodbank which are just about to be dropped off to be honest. Supporters donated 8 bags full of items - thank you to everyone who brought a donation with them. 
• We had a food pop up from The Lil Kitchen who’ve now added churros to the menu. Hence, I’m definitely blaming them for not being beach body ready as summer approaches. 

• In the evening, we had around 100 people in the Club House for our end of season function. It was a mix of players from both the first team and our U18 team, along with their respective management teams, the Committee and supporters.
• It was an excellent evening from start to finish so thank you to those who organised and ran the event. I’m sure like myself there were a few very sore heads on Sunday. 
• The recipients of the awards this year were: 

First Team

• • Mat Mackenzie: 

Supporters Player

Committees Player

Young Player

• • Isaac Olunfemi:

Manager’s player

Players’ player

     An outstanding season from both these players.

• • Top goal scorer / golden boot: Kain Adom who scored 12 goals this season.
  • Finally, our very own Russ won the Club Person of the Year. 

The Under 18s 

• • Top Scorer: Sonny West
  • Coaches Player: Wunmi Okeowo
  • Players Player: Endrit Krasniqi

• As ever, there’s a few other thank yous that need to be made:
  • First of all Elsa who although has the title of Marketing Manager, seems to do everything and anything that’s asked.
  • Secondly is to Steve Ives & Julian Lyons who have taken the lead as the Finance & Compliance team along with additonal support from Russ. Thanks to all for making sure we keep the (flood) lights on. 
  • Next is Jane Jones who manages the gate and then helps out in the committee room including baking variety of cakes. I ‘hear’ the Victoria sponge goes down well. 
  • Finally thanks to Cidinah and Michelle for keeping us sufficiently fed and watered. 

• In other news, we’ve released the schedule for our supporter summer socials. Hopefully you’re able to make a few of them. For more information click here. So, for the next few months at least, put your feet up and enjoy the sunshine (hopefully)! 

W/c 10th April

• On Monday....
  • Our game against Hendon on Easter Monday looked unlikely to go ahead from the off after there was standing water on the western side of the pitch. However, an early morning visit from the referee gave a glimmer of hope and so it was a dash down to the Powerday and out came 3 Wet & Dry hoovers in an attempt to clear the water.
  • Just as it seemed we were wining the electrics shorted and the heavens opened. It clearly wasn’t meant to be!
  • We were left to commiserate but purchasing several boxes from the Monster Jerk Pop Up. Oh and buy an extra pint in the extended happy hour. 

• So, with our Monday game postponed, Hanwell fans were treated to a rare Thursday night game at the Powerday:
  • Nerves lifted with Hanwell’s second season at Step 3 confirmed. The Geordies took on local rivals Hendon who still needed valuable points to secure safety.
  • Hanwell started like a team with the weight lifted off their shoulders. First Rush then a very bright looking Kayani tested the Hendon goalkeeper.
  • Hanwell dominated the first 15mins without the reward the quality of their play deserved
  • Kayani again caused problems and forced a smart save and Duncan also tested the Hendon backline
  • Hendon started to get into the game but Duffy and Duncan dominated the high balls and repelled a number of attacks.
  • The first half ended with neither team able to break the deadlock
  • The second half started certainly a lot quieter than the first but the travelling ‘Green Army’ seemed in good voice to rally behind their team.
  • Hendon started to take a hold of the game with Merrick making an superb point blank save and a smart headed Cheshire header keeping the visitors at bay.
  • In the 68 minute Hendon’s bright spark Brooks found the breakthrough with a smart move leaving Merrick with no chance.
  • But Hanwell have been bouncing back well recently and within 6 min Hanwell had equalised.
  • Mackenzie was fouled on the edge of the box and the resulting freekick from Duffy was struck poorly but took a wicked deflection of the wall and a wrong footed the Hendon keeper. Hanwell level at 1-1.
  • Hanwell pressed for the winner but try as they might nothing seemed to break for us.
  • The game finished a fair draw 1-1 in front of a very respectable 311 fans.
• On Saturday...
  • Fans travelled the 62 miles across to Winchester City. 
  • Our Manager Chris Moore suggested supporters could go in Fancy Dress. The idea was seized upon and well, the results speak for themselves. There were several super heroes, stars of the screen, cartoon characters as well as two residents of the South Pole. 
  • After arriving early to the ground around a dozen supporters headed to the local King Alfred Pub House. Another on the list of revisits next season perhaps - boundary changes dependant of course. 
  • Little did we know it at the time but it would be...
    1. Dan Carr’s 100th appearance for the Club.
    2. Max Merrick's last game after being recalled back to Chelsea. We very much look forwards to following Max next season.
    3. Sonny West made his first appearance for the Hanwell first team having played for the Club since starting with the U7s.

• As for the game:
  • After 48 hour break Hanwell were back at it for their final away game of the season.
  • Hanwell started brilliantly and nearly scored in the first few minutes with Cheshire’s pointblank header saved by a very grateful Winchester goalkeeper.
  • Hanwell continued to press and play well. Cheered on by an array of colourful characters in the away end.
  • After 19 mins, the moment the travelling fans had been waiting for. From a brilliantly lifted Harry Rush pass, Kain Adom was able to superbly lob the oncoming goalkeeper to give The Geordies a very deserved 1-0 lead.
  • Hanwell pressed for the second and nearly slipped up but for a fantastic double Merrick save to deny Winchester a way back in to the game.
  • Long throw after long throw and corner after corner, Hanwell bombarded the Winchester goal and in the 43rd min Hanwell were able to double our tally with that man Adom able to stab home from a corner taking his league tally in to double figure for the season.
  • Hanwell went into the break a very deserved 2-0 up with ‘Chris Moore’s Black & White Army' ringing around the away end.
  • Winchester made some early 2nd half subs but the story was the same with Merrick rarely troubled in the Hanwell goal.
  • The second half seems to be going through the motions until sub Jacob Gardiner-Smith brought the game back to life forcing the home keeper into a full stretch save to deny Hanwell a 3rd.
  • After that, it was all Hanwell as they threw everything at the home team in search of the game killing 3rd goal and that came in the 85th min with a powerful Duncan header hitting the back of the net from a Adom cross. Duncan’s over elaborate celebration cheered by the Hanwell faithful but rightfully booked for flying his airplane through the Winchester technical area.
  • And that was that...with another rousing rendition of ‘Chris Moore’s Black & White Army’, Hanwell finished their away season with a well deserved 3-0 win in front of 303 fans with some more fantastically dressed than usual !!!
• Things to look out for next week: 

  • Saturday will bring our final game of the season at home to Hartley Wintney along with: 

    1. The Lil Kitchen Mexican Pop Up; 

    2. Another request for donations to Ealing foodbank;

    3. Some new merchandise on sale; and the

    4. End of Season Function from 7pm. 

  • We’ll also be announcing a series of 'Supporter Summer Socials' which we hope you’ll join us for! 

  • We've released a 'Save the Date' for our Geordies music nights in May, June & July. We hope to confirm the bands for our first event over the next week.
• A reminder that the Club House is available for hire for birthdays, anniversaries etc. Again, there's more information via the 'Events' website tab.
  

W/c 03rd April

• Last week, we commented that our new stand had been completed. However, we stand corrected! Earlier this week, several rear panels were also added. They’ll come in handy once we move to a wet and windy autumn.
• Saturday morning saw us welcome around 40 NUFC fans to the Club House. The bar and kitchen were open prior the their visit to the Gtech Community Stadium for their match with Brentford at 3pm.

  The sun was out for all of the 4 hours, making the veranda the place to be… well after the bar of course. 

  The result was a great 2-1 win for Newcastle. The eagle eyed amongst you will have already spotted Hanwell Town FC on the pitch side advertising screens. 

• With both Russ and Stan back in London looking after the NUFC fans (along with Nigel, Cidinha & Dave), we have a guest match day journalist for the away game against Plymouth Parkway. It's our very own Club Secretary, Clive Cooke and I think he’s firmly laid down the gauntlet by providing a great summary for us - thanks Clive.

  • An 8.30am start saw Hanwell’s 3rd trip to Devon this season. Easter traffic was good and arrival at Plymouth would have been 1.30pm had the coach driver not taken a wrong turn near the ground adding an extra 10 mins with several passengers shouting directions.

  • A couple of The Massive managed to get to a Plymouth local imaginatively called the Golden Hind for a pre match sharpener. Not only was the head of Parkways security able to give directions to the pub, he even agreed to drive the few 10 mins down the road dropping them off. Very accommodating to away supporters!

  • The Janners of Plymouth were indeed very hospitable and welcoming and before a large crowd (544), a group of what it seems were young Argyle Pilgrims if you will, were happy to stand behind the Parkway keepers goal and chant and sing for Hanwell.

  • This added to the wailing sound of Razor’s bugle, making its second appearance of the season at Parkways Bolotho Park this time with no 9pm curfew, made for a cacophony of noise.

  • The crescendo in the performance both on and off the pitch was reached with Calum Duffy looping his header from a Mackenzie cross over the Parkway keeper Jack Arthur (obviously named by his parents after their 2 favourite characters from on On the Buses).

  • This equalising an earlier Parkway goal in a game of two halves, the second was as interesting as the first was forgettable. Young Chelsea Max making notable and vital saves.

  • So with Hendon and Harrow having a not so Good Friday and Hayes & Yeading going down by the odd goal or three to next weeks opponents Winchester, Hanwell are the sole Middlesex County side to obtain a point this Easter before Mondays games. It was a hard fought point after 427 mile round trip.

  • Rob, the voice of the Toon, won the Super Six on the coach home thanks to City’s 4-1 win over Saints.

  • Young Sonny West from our U18s team made the trip and bench but didn’t get game time. However, it was good to see him with the group.

  • So it's bye bye to Devon for this season, and after Hendon on Monday it’s just a double Hampshire left with Winchester away followed by Hartley Wintney at home before we can properly review the season.

• As above, next Saturday we travel the 65 miles to Winchester for our final away game of the season. A fancy dress theme was proposed by Chris our Manager. I've been informed that several supporters have already chosen their outfits. We therefore encourage you to take up the challenge. Of note, a winner will be chosen by the players and staff - a cash prize is up for grabs. 
• A reminder that you'll need to purchase a ticket if you’re planning to attend our end of season presentation. It's at the Club House from 7pm on 22nd April, i.e. post the Hartely Wintney Match. Tickets are £15 which includes food and are available here

W/c 27th March

• Last week saw the FA revisit the Club as a follow up to their ground grading visit earlier in the season. The major development was the completion of the new stand which looks absolutely amazing. Well done and thanks to those involved in its construction.
• On Thursday last week Stan brought his Dad down to the ground for a look around. Nigel our CEO gave them a guided tour which was very well received. A potential source of income for next season perhaps!!
• On Thursday night the ground used by Middlesex FA for the Graham Rigby U16 Cup Final. Parkfield Youth FC played the Isleworthians Youth FC with the final result being 2-1 to Parkfield. The game was well attended with a total of 330 supporters. An interesting fact…Dan Killeen played for Parkfield 7 years after his brother Harvey scored the winning goal in the same Final at Hanwell.

• On Friday evening Hanwell U18s played Salamis FC (North London). It was a great 3-1 win by our youth team after being 1 nil down in the first half. Huge congrats to the team.
• On Saturday a full coach travelled the 167 to Merthyr Tydfil with the following highlights:
  • With the most desired Instagram food of the season finished off, the game kicked off on a surprisingly warm day. Luckily we'd brought the bucket hats.
  • There was some lively action at both ends to start the game. Merthyr’s defence were having panic attacks at every Mackenzie long throw.
  • In the 21st mins in Methyr scored a decent goal however, we were frustratingly playing well. The Hanwell faithful sensed that wouldn’t be the only goal of the game.
  • Then 4 mins later a breakthrough. Again, a Mackenzie throw caused the Methyr defence to flap more than a magpie in a gale. In the scramble Abdul Osman smashed it home 1-1. 
  • Almost straight away disaster. The ref gave a penalty for the home team for something only he could see with no home protests of course. The ball smashed down the middle with Constable so frustratingly close to getting fingers to it - we were now 2-1.
  • Minutes later it turned into one of those days with break away goal. Half time and it was 3-1 to Merthyr. Very frustrating as we weren’t playing badly even with our mini injury crisis.
  • In the second half, and not for the first time this season, we came across an inspired goalkeeper.
  • Wave after wave, Hanwell pressured their goalkeeper into making a number of saves. The best being from a very cultured Mackenzie freekick.
  • There were further chances from Adom, Robinson and Duffy but each was saved. Their defence were still having nightmare about Mat’s throws. We were getting so close each time.
  • Even with 10 mins of extra time you could sense we weren’t going to get the goals the second half performance we deserved.
  • The full time score 3-1.
  • The attendance a very generous 724.

• A quick heads up:

  • We have food pop ups at both of our remaining home games - Hendon (Jerk Chicken) and Hartley Wintney (Mexican burritos, tacos & quesadilla).

  • Remember to purchase your ticket if you’re planning to attend our end of season presentation - available here. The tickets are £15 which includes your food.

• • We’re currently in the process of arranging our Geordies music event for May, June and July. Keep an eye out for further updates.

W/c 20th March

• We start with a reminder that ‘Talk of the Town’ can be accessed via the website homepage. We’ve also just added details of how to access the live commentary with ‘The Geordie Matchday’.

There’s no longer any excuse not to keep up to date!

• As you may have seen….
  • Work on the new stand has started. The frame has been put together and the seats are due to arrive in the next few days. 
  • New signage is in now in place for our sponsor iStorage: As part of the ‘Welcome to Hanwell’ in the car park as well as either side of the goal at the Ray Duffy Stand end of the pitch.
• Tuesday evening saw us at home against Poole Town:
  • The game started somewhat lively with the booking of a Poole player after only 2 mins. Kain Adom was brought down on the edge of the box. Many fans, ourselves included, thought the punishment was too light given that the offender was the last man. 

• • There were shots from Tom and Isaac within the first 15 minutes but neither managed to score. 
  • A rush of bookings then ensued with a late challenge from Hutchy which was followed 2 minutes later with a high challenge by Mat.
  • Poole seemed to then take overall control of the half, managing to score their first goal just before half time.
  • The second half continued in the same vein although Hanwell did have several corners but each ended up either failing to find its man or coming somewhat short. 
  • Six minutes of injury time were added following a number of very minor incidents. Poole managed to get their second goal in the dying minutes. 
  • The final result was therefore a 2-0 loss for Hanwell. 
  • The attendance was high for a cold and blustery Tuesday night with 311 supporters.
• On Friday evening 15 supporters went for a curry night at the Samrat in Pitshanger. Clive, our Club Secretary, ran a '2022/23 Season' quiz with the VERY clear winner being Glyn Jones.
• Saturday’s game saw us at home again, this time to Swindon Supermarine:
  • The team announcement highlighted the signing of new striker Imran Kayani (photo opposite) who has joined us from Slough Town. Welcome Imran!
  • The game seemed to start well with 3 chances taken from Isaac, Imran and then Kain with only 10 minutes played. Although, each failed to hit the mark.
  • As the half progressed however, Swindon got the ball more and more. They managed to score 7 minutes before the interval following a defensive error by Hanwell.
  • In the second half Hanwell looked somewhat lethargic despite making 2 substitutes. Swindon took the advantage and scored again at the 60 minute mark.
  • Hanwell did respond by going all out on attack. This culminated with a debut goal from Imran who headed a cross from Abdul. Unfortunately this was swiftly followed by another goal from Swindon. 
  • Hanwell kept plugging away but Swindon held firm to take home the 3 points. 
  • The final result was therefore a 3-1 loss for Hanwell. 
  • The attendance at the game was 315. 
• Saturday was also Non-League Day which had the following highlights:
  • We collected several large bags of items for the Ealing Foodbank. These will be delivered to the St. Mellitus' Church in Hanwell over the next few days.
  • The pop up pizza from the Dough Lads went down very well, especially the pepperoni. They'll definitely be making a return next season.
  • The merchandise stall on the veranda was also very popular with the remaining bucket hats selling out even before kick off. We also sold all of the limited edition badges.
  • Matt Wyatt provided the live music in the Club House from 7pm. He was even joined on stage by Clive and we were treated with a rendition of the Beatles classic Can't buy me love.

W/c 13th March

• It’s a quiet week for news but we certainly end the week in high spirits after an away win. A strange feeling given the last was at Tiverton back at the start of February…but it was a more than welcome return!
• On Saturday a full coach made the 87 mile journey to Gosport: 

  • A number of fans made the short 5 minute walk to The Cocked Hat public house before the game. A cheap pint sat outside in full sunshine, the trip had started well. Unfortunately it was bad timing given we were missing the “Live payday weekend entertainment”!

  • Hanwell had some decent chances in the first half but we struggled to make our pressure pay off, especially with missed chance by Tom. It felt like it was sadly going one of those days again.
    

  • At half time we were treated to the footballing skills of the younger generation of the Moore family. Young Rory scored the first of Hanwell’s goals for the afternoon.

  • Hanwell started the second half with a great deal more urgency and you could sense the team had been given some strong ‘words of encouragement’ at half time.

  • The team started to pile on the pressure and pepper the Gosport goal. Corner after Corner and a series of good crosses into the box but we weren't getting any luck.

  • The Hanwell crowd sensed the breakthrough was coming and it did at the 50 minute mark. A wonderful cross came in and Mat Mckenize was there to guide in a lovely header. We had scored first, I couldn't remember that last time that had happened.

  • After the pain of the quick reply against us at Chesham last week, the Fans were slightly nervous. Especially as Gosport did have a chance not long after however, it was nothing to be worried about as Ravan with some very intelligent goalkeeping was able push the attacker wide to a too tight angle.

  • After some great work in midfield Tom McElroy was 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper. The pressure was on as a defender was charging back but again there was no need to worry as Tom slotted it home. Hanwell were 2 goals up.

  • Gosport tried to throw everything at us but our back 3 of Duffy, Duncan and Robinson held firm.

  • Tom could have gotten a second but for a smart save from their goalkeeper.

  • Jacob made a welcome return to field late in the second half. Hopefully there’ll be plenty more on his clock in card this week.

  • Then the sounds all Hanwell fans wanted to hear the referees whistle: 2-0 to Hanwell, a clean sheet and a fully deserved 3 points…what a feeling and a few victory beers were well overdue.
    

  • The attendance was 706…apparently.
    

• We’ve a very busy week ahead at Hanwell:

  • On Tuesday night we play Poole Town at The Powerday. Currently 5th in the table, Poole be keen to maintain their play-off position.

  • On Friday there’s a supporters curry night at the Samrat in Pitshanger.

  • On Saturday we have Non-League Day 2023. Check our website to find out more about the day itself as well as the plans we have at Hanwell.

W/c 06th March

• Last Tuesday the team had a night out at our sponsor BigShots Golf in Northwick Park. Let’s just say, there was quite a range of skills on display! 
• A new goal keeper Ravan Constable has joined from Beaconsfield. Welcome to Hanwell Ravan. 
• To recognise International Women’s Day on the 08th, we sat down with several women who help run or support the Club. You can find out more via the following link:

https://www.hanwelltown.com/news/supporter-news/iwd-2023

• Our website has been updated with new player photos and bios - a big thank you to Gabe for his help on this. 

https://www.hanwelltown.com/meet-the-geordies/the-players

• Our Marketing Manager Elsa has been recognised for her contribution to the game. She’s been selected to attend a ‘Business of Sport’ weekend in May run by 3Mobile with various activities at Stamford Bridge. 
• Saturday saw us visit play-off pushing Chesham United which saw a good number of Geordies travel to the far top left of the tube map to Zone 9 (a total of 4 different tubes in my case):
  • The last time we played Chesham was back at a sunny Powerday in August and the Geordies came out 2-0 winners.
  • Team news saw a welcome return of Tom McElroy and a debut in goal for recent signing Ravan.
  • During the first half Hanwell held their own against a wave of Chesham’s attacks and created a few openings of our own. Ravan was certainly having a busy debut and made a couple of impressive saves.
  • It took a speculative effort on 33 mins by Chesham to break the deadlock which took us into the break 1-0 down.
  • Hanwell came out of the blocks after the restart and had a number of pressing attacks but it felt like the last few games, that nothing was going to break for us and we weren’t going to trouble the scoreboard.
  • Come the 68^th minute, and not for the first time this season, Mat Mckenzie came to our rescue and scored a very scrappy unglamourous goal line scramble but they all count.
  • Hanwell started to get more comfortable and really started to press at Chesham. In the 85^th minute a Tom McElroy cross was turned in by Lucan. Another scrappy goal but we didn’t care.
  • The celebrations were sadly short lived as after some sloppy defending we conceded almost straight away.
  • Hanwell did manage to hold on and both teams had chances to win it at the death but the Geordies came away from Zone 9 with a very deserved and valuable point.
  • The final result was 2-2.
  • The match attendance was 408.
    
• We’ll be releasing our plans for Non-League Day over the next few days. There's a happy hour, a new pop-up will be joining us and there'll be some live music in the evening. So keep an eye on our socials and our website!

W/c 27th February

• This week the Club joined with our regular sponsor Bigshots Golf in their book donation drive in aid of the following charities: Cancer Research, Fara, RSPCA and Sue Ryder. They collected 436 books - thanks to everyone who brought a donation with them to one of our games. 
• Our Tuesday night game was against local rivals Harrow Borough: 
  • We last met back in August 2022 where we won 1-0. 
  • Harrow took the lead with a goal in 15th minute from a corner. 
  • Hanwell equalised in the 50th minute with a goal from Mat McKenzie. 
  • Final result was 1-1 and ended the run our recent run of 4 league losses without a goal.
  • Man of the Match was awarded to Isaac who continues a great season performance. 
  • The match attendance was 217. 
• Team News this week: 
  • Defender Keano Robinson joins us from Beaconsfield and made Saturday’s starting XI. 
  • Micah Anthony’s loan has been extended till the end of the season. 
  • Adam Laaref has transferred to Harley Whitney and made their starting 11 against Yate Town. Adam has always been a firm fan favourite and we wish him well at his new club. 
• Our Saturday game was against league leaders Weston-super-Mare:
  • We had our first pop up of 2023 with the return of The Lil Kitchen - a Mexican food van serving burritos, tacos and quesadillas. There was quite a queue at half time! 
  • Jacob Gardiner-Smith made a welcome return to the pitch during pre-match training as he gets closer to match fitness. Fingers crossed we see him back next week!
  • Hanwell gave a great performance which was a fairly even contest despite being 14 places apart in the league table. 
  • Despite few shots on target from either team during the first half there was a notable flying save from Max. 
  • The referee initially awarded Hanwell a penalty in the 67th minute but swiftly changed his mind following a raised flag from the linesman. 
  • Shortly afterwards, what was judged to be a foul by Hanwell in the home box led to a penalty for Weston who put the ball into the back of the net. 
  • There were a couple of bizarre late bookings which left us all feeling hard done by at the final whistle. 
  • The final result was 1-0. 
  • Match attendance was 317. 
• We’re now into March which will see the installation of a new 80 seater stand on the Perivale Lane side of the pitch. 
• Look out for our plans for Non-League Day on Saturday 25th March when we'll play Swindon Supermarine. A little heads up…the bar will be open late.

W/c 20th February

• Tuesday night saw a win in Middlesex Charity Cup taking us through to the semi finals:

• • The game was against Spelthorne Sports from the Combined Counties Football League (Step 5).
  • Dwayne made a welcome return from injury. Sonny West from the U18s joined the team coming on as a substitute. 
  • Spelthorne were the first to score and were more of less in command until a frantic final 15 minutes saw a rush of 3 goals. Hanwell goals from Tom McElroy as well as an Spelthorne own goal. 
  • The full time result was 2-2 led to penalties with Hanwell winning 4-3 in a penalty shoot out courtesy of a “big time” save from Max. 
  • The match attendance was 42. 

• Abdul Osman (a midfielder) joins the team from Isthmian League South East side Sittingbourne.
• The Saturday game was away against Hayes & Yeading:
  • Around 20 supporters met at The Grapes pub in Hayes for pre-match drinks. With some arriving before the pub even opened !!
  • After a 3-2 home win from Hanwell back in October it was expected to be a highly fought local derby. 
  • Unfortunately Hayes scored after 5 minutes and almost scored again at the 15 minute mark. 
  • The second half saw a much improved Hanwell performance but they continued the recent run of being unable to score including attempts by Micah and Flo. 
  • Final result was 1-0.
  • The match attendance was 310. 

• On Sunday we welcomed around 250 NUFC fans at Club House prior to the cup final at Wembley. The event ran from 10am till 2pm with Bob Fisher and Dhali as the official welcoming committee. The club house was awash with supporters flags and frequent songs about Bruno, Tell Me Ma and of course unflattering  comments about Sunderland. The bar and kitchen were busy throughout so the only disappointment was the result of the game. 

W/c 13th February

• A Wednesday night away loss against Truro City who play their home matches at Plymouth Parkway’s ground:
  • 18 supporters travelled the 312 miles returning to the Powerday just before 4am. 
  • The final result was a 1-0 loss following a missed penalty by Hanwell in the 18th minute and goal from Truro in the 55th minute. 
  • The match attendance was 135. 
• Following Max’s injury last week, Hanwell have taken Matteo Salamon on a 1 month loan from the QPR B Team.  
• Saturday was a home game against Salisbury:
  • Adam was absent due to red card at Dorchester. 
  • Max returned to the team albeit via the bench. 
  • The match was full of ‘what if’s’ given Hanwell hit the post 3 times, what looked like a stumble over the ball in the box and then a goal ruled offside in the 87th minute.
  • Elsa brought along her new drum which was a huge hit with the home fans, especially our younger supporters.
  • The final result was a 3-0 loss with goals in the the 16th, 31st and 76th minutes. 
  • The match attendance was 312.
• Anthony Cheshire’s loan from Bracknell was extended for another month.