Two second half goals saw Hanwell Town into the third round of the FA Trophy for the first time in the club’s history with a 2-0-win over Folkestone Invicta on Saturday (November 16 2024).
Following a tense first half, Alfie Pendlebury’s seventh goal of the season just before the hour mark sent The Geordies on their way before Mat Mackenzie capitalised on a mistake from Jonathan Henly to secure The Geordies place in the next round.
Despite having the majority of possession early on, Hanwell conceded the first chance of the game. Folkestone top scorer Dan Smith evaded Geordie defenders but dragged his shot wide.
Hanwell looked like a threat on the counter, using Emerson Sutton’s pace to quickly advance down the right. When the youngster found Jordan Edwards in the box, the Geordies’ top scorer couldn’t get his shot away quick enough, and the ball was eventually cleared.
Folkestone then took charge of the possession battle with captain Dean Rance dictating play. However, they struggled to create many chances as Hanwell’s defence, led by some brilliant Callum Woodcock interceptions, stood firm.
The home side had their best chance of the first half when substitute Matty Fanimo used his pace to get past Harry Seabrook and through on goal. His low shot from the right of the box was saved by Sam Beasant and the scores remained level.
Hanwell regained control of the ball towards the end of the half with Mackenzie and Edwards both having shots blocked. Both sides went into the break feeling they could’ve played better, and the game was anyone’s to take in the second half.
It was visitors who came out the dressing room the sharpest. Chris Regis and Mackenzie stopped Rance getting on the ball, and Sutton and Carr continued to cause damage on the flanks.
Hanwell got their reward in the 58th minute when Sutton again beat the tired Frankie Morgan on the right. The young wing-back then laid the ball off to the overlapping Woodcock and his cross found Pendlebury at the near post.
The tall striker made no mistake and glanced his header past Henly for his fourth goal in the FA Trophy.
In the 72nd minute, Folkestone had their best attempt of the game so far through Fanimo. The winger skipped past a Hanwell defender and fired a shot from outside the box. Luckily for the Geordies, Beasant was alert and saved the shot.
Hanwell continued to look for a second goal, Coker was clean through before a brilliant tackle from Kassarate and Carr curled an effort over the bar.
In stoppage time, with Folkestone desperately looking for an equaliser, Mackenzie caught goalkeeper Henly dwelling on the ball. After dispossessing him with a perfectly timed slide tackle, the midfielder then placed the ball into an empty net.
The win sparked celebrations among the travelling Hanwell fans as they recognised the achievement of reaching the third round of The FA Trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
Next, the Geordies face Cockfosters in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday before another long trip to Poole next weekend.
Hanwell: Beasant, Sutton, Carr, Woodcock, Duncan, Seabrook, Regis, Mackenzie, Pendlebury (Boayke 83’), Edwards (Orlando-Young 90+3’), Coker (Pache 90+1)
Unused Subs: Benyon, English
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