Hanwell Town chairman Bob Fisher has encouraged fans to keep up their ‘important’ support ahead of Saturday’s (7 December 2024) FA Trophy third round clash with Eastleigh at The Powerday Stadium.
The Geordies advanced into the third round of the Isuzu FA Trophy for the first time in their history with a 2-0 win over Folkestone Invicta, the highlight of an unbeaten November.
Hanwell had already beaten Berkhamsted and thrashed Hendon 5-0 to reach the second round. Fisher, who has been involved with the club for nearly 70 years, enjoyed the former the best, as it helped banish the memories of previous heartbreaks in the competition.
Mr Fisher said: “The club over the years have been involved in several other penalty shootouts without much success and, aware of how important it was for us to have a run in the trophy, it was a huge relief when we came out on top.”
Hanwell will receive £9200 for their run so far and have a chance to add another £5250 to their prize pot with a win over Eastleigh. In contrast, a loss on penalties in the third round qualifying to Berkhamsted, would’ve seen The Geordies receive just £625.
Mr Fisher spoke about his first reaction to the draw but then looked back at Hanwell’s previous success against a higher-tiered opponent.
“My initial thought was one of disappointment as I had hoped for a side of similar status to us which would have given us a better chance of continuing our progress in the competition.
“However, as the draws nearer I am excited and recall that I was similarly excited way back in the 1988/89 season when we played in the FA Cup for the very first time. We were drawn at home to Corinthian Casuals in the preliminary round.
“Our opponents were up a couple of levels to us, but we had an excellent 4-0 win much to our delight.”
After bravely battling relegation last season, The Geordies have had a more success in the Southern Premier League South this season. They currently sit 10th, six points away from the drop zone and four points away from the playoffs.
The Hanwell Town chairman puts this down to the strength in numbers manager Chris Moore can rely on, claiming this squad as one the best in Hanwell history.
Mr Fisher said: “Over the years we have had some excellent sides with some fine individual players, including several who have gone on to play at a higher level. However, I would rank the current squad as good as if not better than any previous squads.
“I am particularly impressed by our defensive capabilities which is reflected in the fact that we have kept a clean sheet in six of our last ten games. There is also more depth in this squad than others as evidenced when one looks at the players on the bench.”
Saturday’s match is one the biggest in Hanwell’s history and is sure to be an occasion to remember at The Powerday stadium. Eastleigh are 13th in the National League and are on a three-game unbeaten streak.
Hanwell will need to be at their best to advance to the fourth round and Mr Fisher and urged supporters to keep backing the side.
“My message to our fans is to continue with the wonderful support that you give the team. I know that from chatting to various players how important you are to them and how much they value your support.”
Tickets for the clash start are £13 for adults, £8 for concessions, and £4 for Children.
 FA Trophy third round clash with Eastleigh at The Powerday Stadium.){kind=link}