Isthmian South Central 30 Nov 2024
Farnham Town 0
Hanworth Villa 1
- George Wells (56’)
Match Report
Not even league leaders Farnham Town could stop Hanworth Villa from picking up our fourth win in a row.
A fabulous away performance at The Memorial Ground gave Villa a well-deserved 1-0 win courtesy of George Wells’ spectacular strike just before the hour mark.
Villa not only inflicted on Farnham their first home league defeat of the season, but also ended the Town’s run of five wins in a row.
While Farnham remain top on 44 points, Villa are up to fourth on 33 points and have a game in hand on third-placed Hartley Wintney on 34 points.
Assistant manager Chris Balchin said: “I thought the boys were absolutely brilliant today … really pleased with the three points.
“We tried to nullify their threats and hurt them on the counter which we did.
“Let’s just be honest, we gave our players a game plan and they did it to a tee and to the letter and we can be proud of them.”
Buoyed by captain Wells’ return from suspension, Villa did well to maintain a compact defensive block in the opening minutes in front of 629 fans.
The first big chance of the game fell Villa’s way in the 21st minute. Alex Body exchanged a lovely one-two with Sam Merson, before firing a dangerous cross into the box.
But a decisive defensive intervention put the ball just out of Finlay Macnab’s reach, who was ready for an easy tap in at the far post.
Minutes later, Villa had a penalty claim waved away by referee Calum McFarland after Body was shoved to the ground by Farnham’s Joseph Jackson.
Villa were then dealt a big blow after Merson pulled up injured and had to be replaced by Christian Jolley in the 35thminute.
Continuously frustrated by Villa, Farnham were reduced to taking low-quality shots like Harry Cooksley’s long-range free kick in the 43rd minute, which flashed just wide of Mark Smith’s goal.
The home side came out of the interval with intent. Smith was called into action with a fine double save to first deny Great Evans from close range, before stopping Harry Cooksley’s long-range effort shortly after.
Then, in the 56th minute, came a moment of absolute individual brilliance from Wells.
Picking up the ball on the left touchline, our captain fired a spectacular effort from 30 yards out which swerved into the net.
About Wells’ performance, Balchin said: “George is a big player for us and key to what we’re trying to achieve.
“The way he marshalled the backline today, his decision making and it was a great strike.”
Farnham pushed for an equaliser, but were limited to half chances as Villa defenders put their bodies on the line to block crosses and shots headed Smith’s way.
There was time for Villa to hand a late debut to new signing Abdullah Javaid, who came on in the 87th minute.
The home side’s best opportunity came in the final minute of the game, when Smith produced a massive double save from a header and the rebound.
It was a valiant effort that outlined Villa’s togetherness as we matched Farnham toe-to-toe.
This is a side who went the entire 2023/24 season unbeaten and currently have a goal difference of +36.
Balchin added: “We’ve got to give credit to Farnham. They’ve been on an unbelievable run but it’s just typical Hanworth Villa.
“Offensively we’ve done really well in the last three or four weeks. There’s definitely been a change.
“We’ve done it before, we rip up the script time and time again but it’s just three points and we’re just concentrating on next week to get another three points.”
Villa welcome bottom-dwellers Badshot Lea to Rectory Meadow next Saturday looking for our fifth win in a row.
