HANWELL TOWN 2
Rowe 25, 65
DORCHESTER TOWN 1
Stanley 42
DORCHESTER Town could count themselves unlucky not to take a point as Hanwell Town edged a 2-1 victory in their Pitching In Southern League Premier South clash.
Danny Rowe’s double either side of Alfie Stanley’s first goal since the opening day of the season proved enough for the Toon.
However, Dorchester enjoyed large spells in the ascendancy and created numerous chances in the second half to force an equaliser, only to come up short.
The Magpies have now lost three consecutive games in all competitions following a superb start to the season.
READ MORE: Hanwell Town 2-1 Dorchester Town - how it happened
Going into the Hanwell contest, manager Glenn Howes was forced into leaving striker Shaq Gwengwe out as the striker sustained a swollen ankle in training.
Three other changes prevailed from last week’s 1-0 FA Cup loss to Swindon Supermarine as Olly Balmer, Louie Slough and Jordi Foot all dropped to the bench.
Back came captain Callum Buckley, fellow centre-half Keith Emmerson, forward Matty Neale and Stanley.
Despite the alterations, Dorchester had to weather a bright start from the hosts as Jack Hutchinson fizzed a shot wide in the first minute before Harry Lee saved from Shomari Barnwell.
Dorchester had to wait until the tenth minute for their first attempt, Stanley booming a half-volley over the bar.
Each side was then unable to profit from an interception, George Nicholas failing to find the target after a wayward Lee pass and Charlie Gunson then stealing possession from the Hanwell defence only to lash wide.
Isaac Olorunfemi proved a handful on the right for Dorchester all afternoon and he set up Hanwell’s next chance for Barnwell before the hosts deservedly took the lead in the 25th minute.
Dorchester were deeply unhappy with the goal as they expected an offside call that never came, Rowe sprinting onto a through ball from Nicholas to round Lee and slot home.
Lee had to save from Kweku Lucan and then did superbly well to gather a cheeky Rowe chip as Hanwell searched for a quickfire second goal.
But Dorchester began to wrestle their way back into the game as Stanley rifled over from Neale’s pass, although the ex-Portsmouth man made no such mistake in the 42nd minute.
Hanwell were unable to clear a cross into the box and Stanley was primed in typical goal poacher’s fashion to find the net.
And the Magpies ended the half strongly when Gunson tested home keeper Hugo Sobte with a free-kick.
Dorchester’s Olaf Koszela and Kweku traded wayward shots at the beginning of the second half but the Magpies settled into their rhythm quickly with chances coming accordingly.
Three arrived in three minutes, Gunson winning a corner from his latest free-kick and Sa forcing Sobte into a good save.
Gunson was in the thick of things once more when squaring for Koszela to miss the target as Dorchester cursed their finishing.
They were duly punished when Olorunfemi raided down the right again and crossed for Rowe to sweep past Lee for 2-1.
Just as they did after their first goal, Hanwell went for a rapid one-two as Connagh Wilks headed just over and Rowe’s hat-trick effort from a free-kick nestled in the stand.
Dorchester responded when Emmerson nodded into the side-netting but Hanwell sub Chid Onokwai flashed a header wide at the other end.
Lee had to be alert to save from Hutchinson but with five minutes to go Dorchester threw everything at Hanwell.
Dorchester’s heavy pressure nearly paid off with a chance whizzing over the bar, but Hanwell held on to claim all three points.
Dorchester slipped one place to eighth after Salisbury beat Bracknell 2-1, while Hanwell rose to fifth.
Hanwell: Sobte, Olorunfemi, Miskin, Duffy, Wilks, Rush, Lucan (Saunders 76), Nicholas, Barnwell (Onokwai 70), Rowe (Waters 86), Hutchinson. Subs not used: Laaref, Duncan.
Magpies: Lee, Bertrand, Sa, Emmerson, Buckley, Douglas, Moyse (Balmer 70), Gunson, Koszela, Stanley, Neale. Subs not used: Ngalo, Slough, Foot, Griggs.
Referee: Peter Dingle
Attendance: 316
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here