Looking Ahed: Uxbridge (A)
Uxbridge Form Guide: W, W, W, L, D
It's West London derby day on Tuesday! Hanwell travel to UB7 to take on league leaders Uxbridge at Honeycroft. Uxbridge have undoubtedly been the surprise package of the Southern League Premier South this season, after finishing 9th last season, the Reds sit top of the league after 15 games this term, with 33 points. On the other hand, Hanwell’s league position was boosted by Henry Snee’s late heroics against Evesham on Saturday, with that win propelling the Geordies up to 13th, with a total of 17 points from 15 games. Uxbridge will be looking to further entrench themselves at the top of the table, while a shock win for Hanwell would allow the club to start looking up the table rather than over our shoulder.
Uxbridge’s success this season has undoubtedly been led by their formidable defence. The Reds have conceded only 12 goals in 15 league games this season and have collected 8 clean sheets in the league alone. This defensive solidity has been spearheaded by ever-present youngster Ciaran Martin. The 18 year old defender was signed permanently from Portsmouth’s youth setup in the Summer, after a successful loan spell last season. Hanwell’s attack will be hard pressed to break down one of the standout defences in all of Step 3. However, Uxbridge do come into this game without a win in their last 2, a 3-1 loss at Plymouth Parkway being followed by a 1-1 draw at Poole on Saturday. These results should give Hanwell some hope of pulling off the upset.
Turning our attention to the Geordies, players and fans alike will feel that Snee’s late goal on Saturday was just rewards for a commanding second-half display. Evesham struggled to get the ball out of their half and, following his introduction, Dan Carr’s deliveries into the box provided a constant source of pressure. Hanwell will be looking to carry the positives from that second half into Tuesday's fixture.
Henry Snee continues to enjoy a rich run of form, following up a hard-working performance against Poole with an all-round display at the weekend, even before his goal in the dying moments, which takes his total up to 7 for the season. The performance of George Knight will also be vital on Tuesday. His ability to dictate play from the middle of the park was key to Hanwell's control of the game on Saturday and will be just as
important come Tuesday night. His recent addition of goals to his game over the last two weeks will also be welcomed. While there should be no doubts about the size of the challenge awaiting the Geordies in UB7, the club should head into the derby with a degree of confidence.
Last season’s trip to Uxbridge was not one to remember, with Hanwell slumping to a 2-0 defeat. Goalscorers that day included Troy Perez-Duah, who still turns out for Uxbridge, as well as our own Gabe Cuthbert, who we’ll be hoping can return the favour come Tuesday night. However, regulars of last season will remember Mohammed Bettamer holding his nerve to score a 96th minute penalty in the reverse fixture last season, handing Hanwell a point at Reynolds Field in a 1-1 draw.
Uxbridge will no doubt be expecting to return to winning ways after two lengthy away trips, but Hanwell will feel that their strong performances over the last few games have perhaps not been fully rewarded. The Geordies certainly shouldn't head into this game feeling overawed by the challenge ahead.
It's our shortest away trip of the season, so Tuesday represents a great chance to follow Hanwell away. Head down to Honeycroft for a 7:45pm kick-off and get behind the lads!
