ISUZU FA TROPHY | HAPPY TIMES AT HANWELL TOWN

Record-breaking run in the competition for Premier South club

The Pitching In Southern League is represented by eight teams who have made it through to the third round of the Isuzu FA Trophy.

One of them is Hanwell Town whose 2-0 victory at Folkestone Invicta on Saturday has earned them a mouth-watering home tie against Vanarama National League outfit, Eastleigh, as they reach this stage of the competition for the first-ever time.

The Premier South club are now four games unbeaten in all competitions with things continuing to move in the right direction.

“I am massively proud to have played my part in creating a bit of history for the club,” said Harry Seabrook. “We have a special group this year, a real togetherness, so it doesn’t surprise me that we keep picking up results.

“I’m critical of myself most weeks, but I can’t fault the team on Saturday; man for man we worked hard and knew that would be the difference. It came down to the team that took their chances and we did that, which is a hard task when you’re away from home to a good side.

“We’ve had injury after injury so far this season and it’s been fantastic to see the lads muck in and continue to give it 100% week in, week out. We’ve got a squad that is like-for-like, whether it be the subs that come on or lads that miss out of the squads occasionally (I’ve been there).

“This is a special group of players that have plenty to aim for this season and I’m really proud to be a part of it.

“This League is competitive; I can only compare it to my first year at this level. which came last season with Harrow Borough. We were very much backs against the wall last year and I was so proud to be a part of that squad, but this year is slightly different, I feel like we have a bit more breathing space and opportunities to express ourselves more, so it’s been a different experience for me.

“We take each week as it comes; we want to win every week and I don’t see why we can’t, let’s see!

“There’s a nice home tie against Eastleigh to look forward to now in a few weeks’ time, but before that we have important League business to focus on.”

Another player who has been in good form so far this season is Dan Carr. He has been a real driving force in the team.

“I’m very proud of the part I’m playing in the club having its best run in the FA Trophy,” he told us. “I’ve been at the club a long time now, around four years, and I know how much it means to everyone here, so it’s nice to be able to repay that to the fans and everyone involved because they have done a lot for me throughout my time here.

“Going into Saturdays game we knew it was going to be tough as Folkestone Invicta are a good side with plenty of experience and a lot of established players at this level.

“That said, we always believed in ourselves and stuck to the game plan to ultimately come away with the victory.

“It’s a big win for us and keeps the momentum going. For me personally, these are the type of games that I want to be involved in where there is added pressure and more eyes to showcase what I am capable of.

“The third round draw is a good one for us and an opportunity to show what we can do at home against Step 1 opponents, so we are looking forward to it. Hopefully we can keep building this momentum and go into it in good form when it comes around in a few weeks’ time.

“We’ve started the season well and put ourselves into a good position going into the tough winter months. Three wins from our last four games means that we are starting to build some momentum.

“There have been some good results along the way, but also games where we know we could have done better. Ultimately to be six points off the play-off places with a game in hand is a position we would have taken at this stage had you asked us in the summer.

“For me personally, I have played pretty much every minute so far and in a number of different positions too. I am pleased with my consistency and I just want to continue enjoying my football as that’s when I am at my best and able to showcase my ability.

“This League is really exciting; the fact that just six points separates fourth place to 16th shows just how tough and competitive it is.

“Our team spirit and togetherness can make a big difference. It’s been phenomenal this year and has shown through in our performances. We’ve got a very tight knit group that work very hard for each other on and off the pitch and I couldn’t fault any of the lads as we are all there for one another.

“The friendships and togetherness off the pitch are a big reason for the success on the pitch as we all want to do our best for each other and never want to let anyone down. A big part of the team spirit comes from the Gaffer and his management team as they are very honest and demand a lot from us, which means we need to stick together to get through it as it’s relentless.

“The aim is to finish as high up the table as possible as go as far as we can in the FA Trophy. Our focus is always on the next game; we try not to look too far ahead as that’s when you can drop points.

“As I say, we’re four unbeaten now and we want to make that five and then take things from there. If we keep taking it step-by-step and go about our business in a quiet and consistent manner, then we can get to where we want to be.”

It’s back to Premier South business at the weekend with a trip to Poole Town.

Elsewhere in the draw for the Isuzu FA Trophy third round, which was made on Monday afternoon, Alvechurch, now under the guidance of Tim Flowers, head to Boston United, there’s a nice home tie for Chertsey Town against Dagenham & Redbridge, whilst Hadley head to Oxford City.

Havant & Waterlooville hit the road to Woking as Biggleswade Town and AFC Totton go head-to-head. Gosport Borough have an away tie at Worthing.

Ties to be played on the weekend of December 7/8.

IMAGE: Hanwell Town FC