The first 20 minutes were controlled by the home side, wing-backs Joe Wilson and Elijah Olodunjoye looked threatening down the flanks on Saturday (24 January 2026).
It was The Boro who took the lead though, in 22nd minute, a sloppy midfield mistake from Hanwell lead to an overturn in possession, where Michael Fernandes’ cross to the back-post was superbly saved by Geordies captain Sam Beasant but Hisham Kasimu was the quickest to react and fired home from close range to give the away side the lead. Hanwell continued to be the architects of their own downfall, as two mistakes led to two chances for the goalscorer, both brilliantly saved by Beasant.
The second half began and Hanwell needed a big response, and it came. Callum Woodcock pounced on Pendlebury’s header that was spilled by Gosport goalkeeper, Henry Blackledge, to level the scoreline in the 70th minute. Five minutes of chaos followed, Hanwell piled on the pressure with a couple of chances that certainly worried Gosport. The pressure paid off as in minute 75, Wilson whipped in a superb in-swinging corner that found the head of impact substitute Mo Bettamer, who sent the Oliver Connell & Son Community Stadium into delirium.
A late push from Gosport was to no avail, Beasant once again halted them from scoring after tipping a dangerous free-kick on to the bar to secure a huge three points for The Geordies.
Entertainment value- 4/5
Star Player- Sam Beasant
