Hungerford Town 2-0 Hanwell Town

Hanwell Town’s nine match unbeaten run came to a disappointing end as they were beaten 2-0 at Hungerford Town on Saturday (February 22).

Two goals from Louis McGrory either side of half-time put The Geordies in an unescapable hole. After a terrible start, the visitors grew into the game. However, they still struggled to create a clear-cut chance after Hungerford were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute.

The hosts came into the game having won seven of their last eight games. The run had seen them close in on the playoff places and Hanwell were aware of the challenge they’d be facing at Bulpit Lane.

The first chance of the game resulted in the opener. Louis McGrory fired an instinctive finish past Sam Beasant after a scramble in the box.

Hungerford kept the momentum for the first twenty minutes, having numerous other opportunities to double their lead. The Geordies seemed to be struggling with the bobbly, sloped pitch at Bulpit Lane.

The hosts, familiar with the surface, were using a variety of long balls and winning the majority of the duels during the opening 20 minutes.

Hanwell did have the ball in the net with an acrobatic effort from Harry Seabrook following a free kick but the linesman had flagged for an offside in the build-up.

Just before half-time, Hanwell were forced into a change. Rudi Pache was forced off and replaced by top score Jordan Edwards, who started on the bench due to illness.

Things didn’t get much better for The Geordies after the break. Some clumsy defending saw Hungerford awarded a penalty. McGrory stepped up and smashed the ball into the left corner to double the hosts’ lead.

Jordan Rose thought he had scored a third for Hungerford six minutes later but was flagged offside.

Hanwell then made three substitutions over the next 10 minutes and began to grow into the game.

In the 75th minute, Alfie Pendlebury had a big chance to get Hanwell back into the game but stabbed his effort over the bar.

Two minutes later, former Liverpool forward Jordan Ibe was introduced to a big ovation for the hosts. Shortly afterwards, there was a change in mood at Bulpit Lane when Rose was sent off for a foul on Cheynie Burgin.

Hanwell controlled possession from then on but struggled to create anything of note. Burgin did have a decent chance following a cross but mishit his effort hight and wide.

The defeat sees The Geordies drop to 12thin the Southern Premier League South. On Tuesday they will play Bedfont Sports in the Middlesex County Cup Semi Final.