Late Peanlty Wins It For Geordies - Biggleswade United vs Hanwell Town

Second Meadow in near darkness

My parents were visiting this weekend and we had intended to have a trip out to the coast to watch Rye United. Unfortunately the continually damp weather meant that game was in doubt (it did in fact go ahead) so we went for a safer bet and went to Biggleswade United against Hanwell Town in The Spartan South Midlands Premier Division. I'd been to Biggleswade to see Town play Berkhampsted in the same division a few seasons ago and I always wanted to return to see United. Neither side had a chance of promotion or relegation but Biggleswade were keen to beat last seasons points tally and Hanwell wanted to finish inside the top five. The home side were also keen to avenge the four nil defeat they suffered at Reynolds Field earlier in the season.

Kick off at Second Meadow

The early stages are extremely uneventful with either side creating any chances despite both attempting to play good football. Biggleswade have a half chance when a free kick goes across the face of the goal but no one can quite reach it. The home keeper is first called in to action to make a save low down to his left. He is beaten a minute later, when the Hanwell winger has time to pick his pass and the ball is slotted past the goalie. This lifts Hanwell and they have a header cleared off the line before they miss another headed chance at the back post.

Covered accommodation behind the dugouts

Hanwell have a chance to double their lead straight away but the close range effort is somehow cleared off the line. Hanwell have another chance cleared off the line as they press for the vital second goal. However, it is the home side who get the second goal of the game. A cross is partially blocked and loops in to the air and the Biggleswade player is left to pick his spot to level the game. This sparks Hanwell back in to life and they come close when they hit the bar with an effort from the edge of the box. Hanwell do eventually get their second goal from the penalty spot. The Hanwell player burst in to the box and despite going away from goal, the keeper comes out and the referee points to the spot. The ball is smashed home and Hanwell see out the final minutes to claim the three points.

Biggleswade looking for the opening goal of the game.

Biggleswade is just under an hours train journey from Kings Cross and trains depart on a regular basis. Second Meadow is a further brisk twenty minute walk away from the station. In between the station and the ground on the High Street is The Golden Pheasant which is a brilliant pub and had at least five ales on. There are also at least another two pubs on or just off the market place. The club house is welcoming, has ESPN and the usual selection of drinks.

A tidy effort from Biggleswade for this level. There was a lot of update info on goings on at the club and had a detailed history of the home side.

Side on view of the stand