A good defensive performance from Hanwell Town earned them a point away at Taunton Town on Saturday (21 March 2026).
Three goals in seven minutes saw the Geordies take the lead through Callum Woodcock, however just a minute later, the home side equalised through Nick Grimes but Hanwell’s lead was restored after a good header from Luke Cook. The home side drew level midway through the second half and after a nervy end, the game finished with a 2-2 draw.
The first half started as a cagey affair with both sides having chances but nothing clear cut. However, nine minutes in Hanwell took the lead. A looping ball was bought down well by Cook on the edge of the box who then played it out wide to the on running Woodcock. He took it well and fired low past Freddie Godden to give the Geordies the lead and score his tenth of the season.
This advantage was short lived though. Just a minute later the home side equalised with a goal from Grimes. Another high and looping ball towards the back post was met by Grimes and he headed it into the roof of the net past Sam Beasant.
A frantic seven minutes finished with the away side restoring their one goal lead. A deep freekick into the box from Harry Hoath was missed by Godden. The Taunton goalkeeper flapped at the ball and it fell to Henry Snee on the left edge of the box. He lifted it to the back post where Luke Cook was waiting to head home.
After going behind, the home side replied with some pressure on the Hanwell goal. A couple of crosses and long-range shots were cleared and blocked well by the Geordies backline.
But it was the away side that ended the half on top. A brilliantly low driven shot from Saidou Sanogo was destined for the bottom corner before a superb stop from Godden. Minutes later, Taunton lost the ball and Snee picked it up in the defensive half and drove forward well. Jack Matton ran the length of the pitch to join the attack but played a wayward pass, removing the momentum.
The half ended with a lengthy delay whilst Niall Thompson was receiving treatment for an injury. The Geordies went into the break ahead with a one goal advantage.
Coming out after the break, the Geordies continued with the same intensity. Within a minute of the half starting, Sanogo fired a shot from the edge of the box but it was easily saved by Godden.
Going against the run of play, Taunton created a chance through a long ball that was missed by Beasant who came out to claim it. The ball ricocheted towards the net and Harry Hoath produced a remarkable goal line clearance to keep the Hanwell lead.
Following this, the away side looked to extend their lead. A clever chip over the Taunton backline from Cook found Sanogo who poked just wide. It was Cook again two minutes later who drove well into the box but just couldn’t get a clear shot away.
However, Taunton piled on the pressure. After a couple of wayward shots over the bar, the home side equalised through Dylan Jones. He drilled the ball low through a crowd of players from the edge of the box after a corner, leaving Beasant with no chance.
The game was set for a nervy end for both sides. Taunton had the better of the chances and looked dangerous going forwards. Jones again produced a good run past a few Hanwell defenders before shooting straight at Beasant.
Somehow Sanogo didn’t score after having three shots blocked in quick succession just five minutes before the 90th minute.
With six minutes added on, the game was still in the balance. A few questionable decisions from the referee broke up the play and the game finished in a draw, with both sets of fans content with the outcome.
Hanwell Town manager Chris Moore said after the game: “First half we were very good, 2-1 up and we felt like it should have been more”. He added: “We are disappointed to not come away with all three points but a point on the road is difficult in this league”
Another point on the board for the Geordies sees them sit 13th in the table, six points clear of the relegation zone.
Hanwell next return to action on Tuesday 24th March with an evening home tie against Evesham United at the Oliver Connel and Son Community Stadium.
Hanwell Town: Beasant (C), Nditi, Oladunjoye, Matton, Duncan, Hoath, Sanogo, Woodcock, Bradbury (Rice 90+4’), Cook (Cooper 78’), Snee (Krasniqi 88’).
Unused Subs: Odell, Fraser
Taunton Town: Godden, Thompson (Nielsen 68’), Jones, Grimes (C), Richards, Rice, Koita (Robinson 72’), Shield, Chamberlain, Matthews, Moulden.
Unused Subs: Owers, Symons, Irish
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