There was plenty of merriment as Hanwell Town made the long trip home from Merthyr Town on Saturday evening having removed their higher level hosts from the Isuzu FA Trophy.
At the heart of the celebrations was Joe Wilson, who played his part in the 3-2 victory as the Geordies equalled their best-ever run in the competition.
“It was a really big performance from the team,” he told us. “We went there with a plan to press high and be aggressive, and it paid off.
“We have a lot of confidence in our defence and on Saturday our attackers really came to party as well and we were unlucky not to score more in the end.”
The win has set up a mouth-watering tie at Dagenham & Redbridge, a club very close to the heart of manager, Chris Moore, both as a former player and fan.
“We’re all looking forward to it, especially the Gaffer,” Wilson continued. “The FA Trophy is massive for the club, both financially and because we have a lot of confidence that at our best we’re a tough matchup for anyone.
“Like in the previous round we have to do it the hard way at a higher level opponent, but if we can replicate our performance from Saturday, we will give them a good game.
“We know that we’ve been inconsistent over the course of the season so far, which has been frustrating. Last season we achieved the club’s highest ever position and we’ve had some great results this year, but haven’t quite backed them up consistently enough.
“Hopefully that can change now on the back of this result. There’s some top teams in the Premier South this year, particularly Walton & Horsham, who we have beaten, and Gloucester City. Beyond that, though, I think it’s really open and play-off spots are really up for grabs for anyone who can go on a good run.
“As things stand, we’d love to finish in the top half of the table and get further in the FA Trophy. We have a lot of belief in our dressing room and if we can become more consistent I don’t see any reason why play offs aren’t achievable.”
Hanwell Town return to Pitching In Southern League Premier South action on Tuesday evening with a trip to Chertsey Town.
Meanwhile, the Isuzu FA Trophy third round draw, which took place on Monday afternoon, has thrown up some other intriguing ties.
Harborough Town play host to Carlisle United, whilst Alvechurch also have home advantage for the visit of either Gainsborough Trinity or Alfreton Town.
Heading on their travels are Plymouth Parkway, whilst Walton & Hersham welcome Sutton United of The National League and Gloucester City pits their wits against National League South outfit, Worthing.
Ties will be played on Saturday, December 13th 2025.
IMAGE: Hanwell Town FC
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