Three Middlesex teams were involved in the Isuzu FA Trophy First Round proper matches, which were played on Saturday last, 26th October, and two of them were drawn against each other. So, your Roving Team watched Hanwell Town’s eagerly anticipated clash with Hendon at the Powerday Stadium.

Both teams currently play at Step 3 of the Non-League Pyramid. They were rivals in the Southern League Premier South Division last season but Hendon have now been allowed to return to the Isthmian League, after 6 seasons in the Southern League. They were transferred to the Southern League for season 2018-19, after 55 seasons in the Isthmian League, as a result of the FA’s restructuring.

Both of last season’s matches between the clubs in the Southern League ended in draws. Although they suffered a 6-1 defeat to Wingate & Finchley in their last league match, Hendon have made a steady start to this season, on their return to the Isthmian League. They are currently in 9th place in the Premier Division, having won 4 and drawn 4 of their 11 matches. Hanwell Town have won 4 and drawn 3 of the 13 Southern League Premier South games which they have played to date and occupy 15th position.

Hanwell Town qualified for this round of the FA Trophy by winning the penalty shoot-out against Berkhamsted after their home match had finished 1-1. Hendon recorded a fine 5-1 win away to Bedford Town.

The crowd of 224 was treated to a very entertaining cup tie. Hanwell Town went ahead in the 13th minute and then doubled their lead just before the break. Hendon opened the second half strongly and got more into the game. However, the Geordies regained control with a goal from the penalty spot, midway through the period. They then clinched the match with two more goals to record a memorable 5-0 win.

The first meaningful attack came from the visitors, when Niko Muir’s dangerous cross was turned behind by Hendon centre back, Dwayne Duncan.   

At the other end, a good Hanwell Town build up released Callum Woodcock, who shot low straight at keeper, Luke Campbell, from outside the penalty box.

The Geordies went ahead in the 12th minute. Emerson Sutton cut in towards goal and was tripped by Ethan Light, who was cautioned. Dan Carr took the resulting freekick from the right and Alfie Pendlebury netted from close range.

Then Alfie Pendlebury just failed to get a touch to Emerson Sutton’s ball across the face of the goal.

The Greens suffered a serious setback in the 16th minute, when they lost the services of their captain and prolific striker, Joe White, through injury.

Niko Muir’s shot on the turn was charged down. Then Kurtis Cumberbatch shot over the bar from outside the box.

A good move by Callum Woodcock and Nathanael Boayke released Emerson Sutton who fired too high. Luke Campbell saved a close-range header from Emerson. Then Dan Carr’s cross found Chris Regis, whose shot was blocked.

Some excellent approach work by Jordan Edwards set up Alfie Pendlebury to double the Geordies’ lead, in the 44th minute.

Niko Muir’s scorching drive from outside the box was brilliantly turned over the crossbar by Hanwell keeper, Trent Carter-Rogers.

Score at Half-time: Hanwell Town 2 Hendon 0  

Hendon exerted pressure after the break and a good move released Kurtis Cumberbatch, who shot straight at the keeper.

At the other end, Nathanael Boayke’s shot was charged down.

Fabio Sole’s long freekick, into the crowded Hanwell Town box. was punched away by Trent Carter-Roberts.

In the 62nd minute Hendon defender, Sam Adenoia tripped Kyron Richards in the penalty area. Alfie Pendlebury shot low into the corner of the net to complete his hattrick.

Sam Adenola brought a flying save from Trent.

In the 70th minute, Emerson Sutton was brought down by the Greens’ Fabio Sole just outside the penalty area. The freekick was taken by Dan Carr and produced a corner. This was also taken by Dan and his kick was headed home by Dwayne Duncan for the Geordies 4th goal.

Kai Brosnam’s shot from outside the box was well saved by Trent Carter-Rogers.

Nathanael Boayke scored the Geordies’ 5th goal in the 80th minute, to end a goalmouth scramble initiated by Emerson Sutton’s cross.

A shot by Excellence Muhemba from the left was saved by Trent Carter-Rogers, who kept a clean sheet on his home debut.

Hanwell substitute Elliot Benyon’s shot following a corner kick was blocked by Shaun Lucien.

Final score: Hanwell Town 5 Hendon 0

This was a splendid performance by Hanwell Town and they fully deserved to progress to Round 2. Nevertheless, the margin of their victory must surely have surprised even the most optimistic Geordie follower. Our commiserations are given to Hendon. It just wasn’t their day. They certainly were not the team that we have enjoyed watching on cup runs in recent seasons. However, I am sure that manager, Lee Allinson will be able to turn things round sooner rather than later.

TEAM LINE-UPS

Hanwell Town: Trent Carter-Rogers, Joe Wilson (Kyron Richards 31 mins), Dan Carr, Callum Woodcock (capt), Dwayne Duncan, Harry Seabrook, Chris Regis, Nathanael Boayke, Alfie Pendlebury (Elliot Beynon 76), Jordan Edwards (Kameron English 79) and Emerson Sutton (Rod Orlando-Young 81)

Manager: Chris Moore   

Hendon: Luke Campbell, Tarik Gidaree (Bayan Aman 59), Sam Adenola, Blaise Riley-Snow (Ronny Mfinda 59), Ethan Light, Dave Diedhiou (capt from 16 mins), Fabio Sole, Kurtis Cumberbatch (Lonit Talla 74), Joe White (capt) (Excellence Muhemba 16), Niko Muir (Shaun Lucien 74) and Kai Brosnam

Manager: Lee Allinson

Referee: Joshua Evans 

Assistant Referees: Callum Dorling and Daniel Smith.

Attendance: 224

Unfortunately, Uxbridge, the other Middlesex team engaged in this round of the FA Trophy lost 0-3 at home to Chertsey Town.

The draw for Round 2 Proper gave Hanwell Town an away tie at Folkestone Invicta. Enfield Town and Hampton & Richmond Borough are entering the competition at this stage. The former have a home match against Hornchurch while the latter are away to Yate Town. These games are scheduled for 16th November.

Report: Jim Taylor

Photography: Chris Benn

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