Hanwell Town earned a spot in the Middlesex Senior Cup Final with a comeback victory over Bedfont Sports on Tuesday (25 February).
After a scoreless first half, goals from George Frise and Tommy O’Neill put the hosts 2-0 up after 70 minutes.
Taylor Miles brought some life back into the game with a 80th minute free kick. Then, after ten minutes without creating much, Joe Waight reacted quickest to poke home from close range.
Bedfont, who play two divisions below Hanwell, came into the game on a run of eight games without defeat. The Geordies were looking to bounce back after their own unbeaten run was ended by Hungerford Town.
Bedfont started the game bravely. Showcasing the quick, confident football that has helped them put together an unbeaten run. Their best chance of the first 20 minutes fell to Tyler Robinson who hit the left post after a quick breakaway.
Hanwell’s first opportunity didn’t fall until the 29th minute. Miles’ free kick from the right was begging to be tapped home but instead rolled through the box before being cleared.
Robinson was clean through again four minutes later. However, this time he forced Sam Beasant into a save.
In the 38th minute, Chaynie Burgin did well to control a long ball forward and play in Chris Regis. The Hanwell midfielder couldn’t quite get enough power on his shot and it was saved by Gary Ross.
Just before half-time, Ezekiel Coker pulled off a back-heel to find Avan Jones on the left corner of the penalty area. The defender then whipped a threatening ball across the box which Ross had to push away from danger.
After a uneventful start to the half, a mix up in the Hanwell defence sent George Frise one on one with Beasant. The midfielder rounded the goalkeeper and opened the scoring for the home side.
Ten minutes later, Jake Woods whipped in a corner from the left and O’Neill met the ball at the front post to double Bedfont’s lead.
After making some changes, Hanwell gradually started to control possession. Still, Bedfont were a threat on the break with their speed.
The Geordies put their foot in the door in the 80 the minute when Miles fired a free kick from 20 yards out into the top right corner.
To complete the comeback, Waight reacted the quickest after Joe Wilson had cut in from the left and fired a shot across goal that Sports keeper Gary Ross failed to handle. The two goals shocked the hosts who had been good value for their two goal lead.
With the scores level after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout was needed to determine who would advance to the Middlesex Senior Cup Final.
Hanwell were perfect from the spot with Miles, Dan Carr, Alfie Pendlebury, Waight, and Wilson showing excellent composure to convert.
George Maxwell put Bedfont’s first penalty wide. Hanwell’s flawless spot kicks meant the home side never recovered despite scoring their next three.
The Middlesex Senior Cup Final will be played on March 19 at Uxbridge FC. The Geordies will play Rayners Lane in the final. This weekend, Hanwell welcome Poole to The Powerday Stadium.
Report by Tyler Eaton
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