On the 22nd February 2020 Hanwell Town will host fellow playoff spot team Waltham Abbey in a huge clash in the BetVictor Isthmian South Central Division at The Powerday Stadium. The two teams sit in the playoff spots as Hanwell are in second with a game in hand and Waltham Abbey are in 5th so this should playout to be an absolute cracker. Both teams are dreaming of promotion meaning a tight and tough fought out battle should be on the cards.
Last time out:
Hanwell Town – They didn’t have a game last week as bad weather postponed their fixture along with the majority of the other league games. They also had no midweek match so we have to go all the way back to the 8th of February where they came up against 10th placed Barking and narrowly won 1-0 in a tight game away from home, thanks to a penalty from Ogo Obi.
Waltham Abbey – Their game was fortunately on and survived the storm last week as they hosted 14th placed Chalfont St Peter and triumphed 7-3 in an attacking frenzy thriller. They had the game virtually wrapped up by halftime after scoring five goals and being 5-0 up going into the break. They took their foot off the gas in the second half and conceded three but still managed to reply with two more of their own eventually winning 7-3. The craziest thing though was that there were seven different goal scorers for Waltham showing they don’t rely on any specific players and all chip in.
Last meetings:
The two teams have only met once so far this season and that was in the league. Waltham were the home team and it turned out to be quite the event as there were five yellow cards and Waltham’s Jack Daveney was given his marching orders in the 82nd minute. That didn’t affect the outcome of the game though as Hanwell were already 2-0 up from two Gareth Chendlik penalties as they held onto the score line and went on to win 2-0.
This should be a big incentive for Waltham in the return fixture and they’ll want to put in a huge performance as they’ll be thirsty for revenge.
Stats:
Hanwell Town – They have the best goal difference in the league as they’ve scored 64 goals already so far this season whilst only conceding 26 goals giving them a +38GD. Hanwell are unbeaten un their last five games having won four and drawing one whilst scoring eleven and conceding two. Their last win came in their last fixture against Barking as previously mentioned and their top scorer is Gareth Chendlik with sixteen. Lastly, they’ve won eight games, drawn one and lost three at home so far this season.
Waltham Abbey – They have a positive goal difference also and have scored one less goal than Hanwell but have conceded nineteen more giving them a +18GD. Out of their last five games they’ve won two, drawn zero and lost three scoring ten whilst conceding ten. Their last win came in their last fixture against Chalfont as previously mentioned and their top scorer is Leon Mckenzie who also has sixteen. Lastly, they’ve won six games, drawn five and lost three away from home this season.
Key Players:
Hanwell Town – Ogo Obi: New signing Obi is the one to watch for Town as he’s started firing straight away, scoring four goals in five games and has taken no time to settle in. He can create a lot of problems for the back line with his exceptional positioning and acute awareness to be in the right place at the right time. His pace and outstanding hold up play are his best attributes so Waltham will have to be in top form to stop themselves being bullied by this beast.
Waltham Abbey – Leon McKenzie: He’s the one to watch for Waltham with his creativity, spark and liveliness when on the ball and going forward. His ability to score goals are outstanding and he will need to step up and show his ability in this game in order for Waltham to walk away with any sort of points.
Prediction:
This ones a tough one to predict as both teams are coming into this game with confidence and momentum. Waltham will be hungry for revenge and Hanwell will love a chance to do the double on another promotion contender.
I believe Hanwell will take this one as they’re defensive record is exceptional and with the home advantage I find it hard seeing a Waltham win. Although Waltham do score a lot of goals they also concede many as well and I see that as being their downfall as they may manage to grab a goal or two but they’ll really struggle to keep out the rampant Hanwell, especially with the new addition of Obi.
Prediction: Hanwell Town 3-1 Waltham Abbey
-Dan Davies
nonleaguefootballsouthern.sport.blog 