Hanwell Town 2 - Leighton Town 1

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Nothing went for Stuart Murray's team as they and Hanwell struggled in the blustry conditions.
On paper Town had a strong Team out but within 15 minutes of the start they had to make 2 substitutions due to injury. Returning Andy Fagan injured his groin and Pierre Hazet received a serious leg injury - both were substituted immediately. To make matters worse 'keeper Bradley Kirkwood was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity outside the box on 20 minutes and Jack Copson took over in goal. Town had started the game well and Curtis Shaw went close and
Alex Woodfine shot just over when well placed.

Woodfine again went close and an O'brien free-kick was well saved by home 'keeper Herdman. Hanwell rarely threatned despite their numerical advantage but David Manu shot extremely wide when clear on the right. Shaw and Woodfine both shot over as Town pressed and the sides went in all square at the break.

Hanwell should have opened the scoring in the opening minute of the second half but the shot came back off the post when the Town defence was opened by a superb through pass. Leighton were playing into a strong wind but were playing well although not any real scoring chances were created. Hanwell had a good spell of possession but Jack Copson was not troubled by any serious shots. Jordan Jenkins was playing
well as was Alex O'Brien who had now taken a sweeper type role, but on 70 minutes they were helpless to stop the opening goal which came from the right as the ball was played into the Town box a clever flick by Tyler Law set himself up to chip Copson to give Hanwell the lead. 5 minutes later a loose ball fell to Hanwell sub Dan Vincente who doubled the lead from close range.

10 man Leighton raised their game and O'Brien had a great shot tipped over the bar by Herdman.Town pressed and a lovely pass from the back by Jenkins set Shaw free on the right and his first time cross was met at the near post by Alex Woodfine who calmly stroked the ball into the corner of the net to reduce the defict.

Hanwell survived some late pressure to take all three points.

Despite Town having nothing to show for their superb efforts - playing with 10 men for three quarters of the game and several players playing out of position they were by far the better footballing side and no one gave up. All worked hard and are bitterly disappointed not have earned at least a draw.

On Tuesday they face North Greenford away in a re-arranged League game and are at home next Saturday to Aylesbury F.C.