Hanwell returned from a Wednesday night (23 October 2024) trip to Hampshire with nothing to show for their efforts as Havant & Waterlooville took all three points.
Ryan Seager and Harvey Bradbury both scored twice for the Hawks, with Joe McNerney also finding the target. The Geordies twice attempted to rally from two goals down with Jordan Edwards and Chris Regis finding the net.
Hanwell made a bright start and Alfie Pendlebury forced Ben Dudzinski into a diving save inside the opening 45 seconds before Zeeks Coker headed wide when well placed 15 minutes in.
The Geordies were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal and a defensive clearance cannoned off Bradbury into the path of Seager. His looping shot went over Trent Carter-Rogers, making his debut in place of the absent Sam Beasant, and into the net to give Havant a 22nd minute lead.
Seager should have made it 2-0 with 10 minutes remaining of the first half but, as good as his goal was, this miss was as bad with the frontman firing over from six yards out.
Dan Carr and Edwards both tested the Havant keeper but Hanwell went into the break two goals down as a break down the right flank saw the ball played into the box with Bradbury nodding home from a yard out after the ball looped up and over Carter-Rogers.
Hanwell rallied after half-time and the Geordies got themselves back into the game after 57 minutes as Carr’s free kick was turned back across goal by captain Will Hall and Edwards tapped home.
The Geordies were hoping to build on this lifeline but, two minutes later, the two goal deficit was restored. Carter-Rogers made a good save to deny Bradbury when clean through on goal. But, from the resulting corner, a well worked routine found its way to McNerney to head home at the back post.
Hanwell continued to rally and had a chance to cut the deficit again when McNerney was penalised for handling in the area. Regis stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to give Hanwell hope with 22 minutes remaining.
But, two minutes later, history repeated itself as Havant worked the ball down the left flank and, from a powerful cross, Bradbury headed home.
Both sides continued to create chances with the Geordies continuing to try and battle their way back into the game. However, Seager grabbed his second and Havant’s fifth to give the Hawks a victory they deserved, although the three goal margin was certainly harsh on Chris Moore’s side.
Hanwell are back in action on Saturday as they host Hendon in the FA Trophy. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Hanwell: Carter-Rogers, Carr (Orlando-Young 87) , Sutton (English 87), Duncan, Seabrook, Hall (Richards 90), Regis, Woodcock (Boakye 80), Pendlebury (Benyon 68), Edwards, Coker.
 trip to Hampshire with nothing to show for their efforts as Havant & Waterlooville took all three points.){kind=link}