Thursday evening saw Hanwell visit Harefield. The match being treated as a cup final, due to both sides being removed from the final of the Youth Cup. A trophy on offer for tonight’s winners. With fundraising for St Luke’s hospice also taking place before kick-off.
The visitors got the match underway. A long ball from kick off earnt the Geordies an early throw in, after a deflection from an outstretched defender’s leg made contact. Harefield had the opening opportunity of the tie. A loose pass from Olaf Normantowicz rolled out to host. Creating space for an attack, allowing an attempt a goal. Before a counter from Hanwell saw another long ball land just outside the home team’s box. Being cleared after a collision between two players trying to take it under control. Breaking the deadlock, Jenom Nyam narrowly put his first effort over the keeper’s head. As it made its way into the back of the net. Within a minute the guest were through again. Sonny West chasing down a pass, which was caught by the Harefield shot stopper. A strong piece of goalkeeping from Olaf Normantowicz kept the visitors ahead. Moments leading up to Harefield finding the ball at the other end, having another chance on target. Moving brilliantly as a team Hanwell came close to doubling the lead. Firing just wide of the post. Short passing in the build-up creating gaps in the area. Leaving a flurry of young Geordies roaming forward at speed. Stealing the ball from the opposition’s feet, Jenom Nyam carried his team up the pitch. Being fouled in the process. Winning a free kick. An injury briefly halted play as attention was given to the player by his physio. Allowing both managers to have discussions with their sides, along the touchline. Finding space between two travelling defenders Harefield were able to play a short pass across the box. Which went on to rattle against the bar following a shot from close range. Josiah Thompson met the end of a diagonal pass in the final third for Hanwell. Cutting inside after beating his marker, he found a way into the box. However, the ball went off the pitch before he was able to apply a touch. Going long from a goal kick Olaf Normantowicz put the ball in the path of Jenom Nyam. Who was marked out of retaining possession, letting Sony West pick the up play from outside the box. Sending through Halim Bangura for a shot. Shielding the ball Halim Bangura laid off a pass for Kai Zini. Who found Cameron Hughes out wide, crossing low into the six-yard area. No one able to apply a finish touch. Looking for an equaliser Harefield had a hopeful shot. Curling into the Olaf Normantowicz hands. Running through Josiah Thompson had the ball in the net. From six yards, he saw a slow shot go through the keepers’ legs, before being ruled for offside.
When the second half kicked off, Romi Roomi began proceedings with a clever pass. Pinpointing Kai Zini. Allowing him to precisely place the ball out to the flank, where Cameron Hughes was shut down, before he could advance the play further. Trying again Kai Zini picked out Mayor Okeowo. Once again being prevented due to a last ditch defending. Hanwells second goal of the fixture came through Josiah Thompson. Leaving the keeper standing inches away from his line, as the ball flew past him. Putting a long free kick into the box, Harefield cleared a free header in their area. Coming out to Halim Bangura. As he searched for a way through. Moments before play was halted for a second time. This time owing to a head injury, a direct free kick continuing the game. Putting a driven pass freely through Harefield defenders, the guest had a third. Josiah Thompson lifting the ball over the keeper. Before seeing it into the net comfortably. Not long later a fourth goal almost arrived. Josiah Thompson terrifically touching down a free kick on the edge of the area. Shooting wide, With options available in a crowded area. Having rolled the ball perfectly past a unexpecting fullback. Winning a corner, Harefield tested young Geordie defenders. Olaf Normantowicz coming off his line to avert danger. The host next chance came when they saw the ball land to them from a visitor’s free kick. Powerfully heading away from the set piece, a wide player received possession. But Kai Zini was perfectly placed to slide in, leading to a throw in. Latching on to an advancing attack Conal Cassidy secured possession. Maintaining a clean sheet. Olaf Normantowicz dived low at his near post, as Harefield pushed for a goal late on. Two over the top attempts followed from Hanwell as we approached full time.
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