Talk of the Toon
- Darren Holmes
- Nov 25, 2023
- 2 min read
Hanwell Town v Tiverton Town
Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South
Saturday, November 25, 2023
LAST weekend, the Yellows ended a long winless sequence of results: our opponents in our subsequent game this Saturday, Hanwell, are themselves two months without triumphing. Whilst Tiverton will be determined to prolong that wait for victory, the Geordies will have designs on ending their frustrating run.
The London club’s nickname comes from the club’s founders. They were formed by four tradesmen from Newcastle who were working in the local area in 1920. The football-loving friends also adopted their home city’s colours, and the black and white shirts have been worn ever since.
Chris Moore, the former Brentford and Dagenham & Redbridge striker, manages the side. He was part of a dual management team when Hanwell gained promotion to this division, overcoming Chertsey Town in a play-off final. Ironically, his co-manager Wayne Carter became Chertsey’s boss in 2022-23, leaving Moore in sole charge.
It would be foolish for Tiverton to take Hanwell lightly. During their ten-game winless cycle, they have been involved in many close-fought encounters, drawing five of those fixtures. Last Saturday, they surrendered a 2-0 half-time lead to league leaders Salisbury, losing that one 3-2.
Goalkeeper Sam Beasant, a summer signing from Beaconsfield, is a familiar face to Yellows’ fans - the giant former EFL gloveman brings a wealth of experience to his new team.
Veteran striker Elliott Benyon who played many games for Torquay United and was also with Swindon Town, adds pedigree and knowhow to the Geordies’ dressing-room and on the field, too; centre-back Bernie Tanner was part of the miserly Met Police defence for two seasons before they decided to go down a league for financial reasons.
The Yellows’ excellent 4-0 success at Sholing was something to celebrate and a superb River Allen effort was the pick of some fine goals last Saturday, although it is vital that we keep our feet on the ground as it is very tight around the drop zone.
Leigh Robinson has secured his first signing, wide player Javan Wright joining us from Bideford Town, while Exeter City pair Joe O'Connor and Mitch Beardmore have come to the IMS on loan. He also welcomes back captain Jamie Richards following suspension. On the debit side, Bailey Kempster will be absent following his red card at Sholing.
The squad should arrive in London with a bit of a spring in their step and I am convinced that they will be going all out to build on that little bit of momentum from the Sholing game.
