FA Vase Second Qualifying Round - Hanworth Villa vs. Stanway Rovers

Clouds over Rectory Meadow.

It was Combined Counties versus Eastern Counties League for this second qualifying round game. Neither team has made a blistering start to their league campaign and so it promises to be a tight game. The ground is quite basic but very tidy and leafy. Next to the clubhouse there is an area of standing and seating. The rest of the ground is uncovered hard standing. There are several other pitches surrounding the main pitch.

One end of the ground with the clubhouse in the background.

The match has a scrappy start and neither team gets a firm grip on the game. Then mid way through the half a long throw in to the Hanworth box is flicked on at the near post in to the back of the net for the opening goal. Then literally from the kick off Stanway regain possession and the ball is headed home from a pinpoint cross in to the box. Hanworth struggle to get in to the game until 5 minutes before the end of the half. After a few half chances they get a goal just before half time.

View towards the covered seating and standing.

The second half is as scrappy as the first with very few chances. Hanworth have a lot of possession but don't really do anything with it. As they pushed forward Stanway attempted to get behind the full backs and they did this with some success. From one of these ball they get a corner which wasn't cleared properly and the ball is volleyed home from just outside the box. A fitting goal to win the contest.

Trees behind the other goal.

I would defiantly recommended spending some time in the clubhouse before the game. There was a fantastic atmosphere in the bar before the game. The Hanworth site says about providing a social facility for the locals and they're doing a great job as it is packed before the match. They also have Sky Sports and a decent selection of bottled beers and the usual beers on tap. In terms of getting to the ground there are several options. Firstly, you could get the tube to Hounslow East and getting the 111 bus towards Kingston. The bus ride is around 15 minutes. Alternatively, you could take the overground to Kingston and get 111 bus towards Heathrow. This bus ride is about 20 minutes and is quite scenic as it takes you past Hampton Court and through Bushy Park.

View towards the dugouts.