Winchester City drew 1-1 at Hanwell Town, although frustratingly for the third time in five away league games, the opposition scored a goal in added-on time at the end of the second half to affect the result of the match. It was the third successive draw in league games between the club.
Hanwell went into into this match just below mid-table, but the previous weekend they enjoyed a splendid 5-0 win against a Hendon team at the same level of the pyramid as themselves in the F A Trophy.
Before the game Remembrance Day was organised on the pitch with both the Royal British Legion and the mayor present and this was impeccably observed with spectators on both sides standing to pay their respect
Winchester made one change to the starting line-up from the previous Saturday with Josh McCormick returning to the right back position and Dan Bradshaw moving further upfield with Luka Chalwell dropping to a substitutes bench that also included Harry Nevins, George Britton, Reggie Hodan and Ryan Pryce with none of Winchester's long term injuries returning to action.
Winchester though made a bright start to the game. After Jamie Barron made an important block, the same player was in action on the other end of the pit when his effort was only fractionally wide after being set up by Dan Jones. However. Winchester took the lead in the 10th minute when I K Hill made an excellent run on the left-hand side and he put in a cross into the penalty area and Ollie Griggs was able to close range. Hill was in electric form in the early stages and his ability to take on players was always a threat to the Hanwell defence, allowing him to set up another chance for Dan Jones who shot just wide.
However, Hanwell came more into the game as the half progressed, but other than an effort from Emmerson Sutton that hit the post and a shot from Dan Carr that forced a comfortable save from Luke Cairney, the Winchester defence looked solid. They also looked dangerous on the break with Dan Jones again coming close to scoring. It was a good first half for Winchester who were 1-0 ahead at the interval.
Hanwell started the second half very positively. They made a substitution at halftime and early in the second half, using the wings well, especially the right flank. However, at the other end, Tommy Wright forced Sam Beasant who is the son of former England and Southampton goalkeeper Dave Beasant to save at the expense of a corner and Mark Jamison had a goal disallowed.
Hanwell were continuing to apply pressure and were putting balls into the penalty area, but generally, Winchester were dealing well with the Hanweel attack and getting in some crucial blocks.
Cairney makes a save to deny Sutton and an even better one to deny Ezekiel Coker. Winchester made their first substitution of the day when Luka Chalwell comes on for Dan Bradshaw with 18 minutes of normal time remaining. Hanwell also had a goal disallowed and the home team also made further substitutions, but although the pressure continued, Winchester who in the latter stages of the bought on Harry Nevins for Jamie Barron looked to be holding on as the end of the five minutes of added on time approached. Hanwell were awarded a penalty for a handball, and this was converted by Jordan Edwards. After protesting about the penalty Josh McCormick received a second yellow card, but the penalty kick was the last shot on goal of the contest.
It is fair to say that in the second half, Hanwell, who are nicknamed The Geordies due to the role that natives of Newcastle had in the formation of their club, deserved something from the game, but it was a cruel way for Winchester to be denied victory.
On Saturday, Winchester travel to Frome for another league game and on the following Tuesday they are at home to Eversley and California in the Hampshire Senior Cup. In the FA Trophy, Winchester City has been drawn to play at home against Sittingbourne.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here