With both sides struggling to overcome a poor start to the new year this was always going to be
a scrappy affair and the prediction was very close to the mark. The heavy claggy pitch contributed
to what was all in all a dour game of football that did nothing to warm the hearts of the 63 supporters
who stood freezing in the cold February winds.
United's fortunes received a major setback even before the kick off when defender Ben Stocker was struck
off the team sheet having pulled his hamstring during the pre-match warm up and was replaced in the
starting line up by substitute Adam Turner. Also in the line up was new signing 6ft 10” Leon Simpson
from Hitchin Town and the returning Marc Holmes who has been working in France.
The opening minute saw United keeper Adam Lawrence save with his legs as the United back line were caught
square but the early match nerves soon settled and United enjoyed the majority of the attacking football
with the host’s back line the more nervy of the two.
In the 25th minute a corner from Jason Darvall was turned around the upright by Turner while at the other
end Lawrence again saved with his legs from a Charlie Baverstock strike. United wing back Andre Maltay
forced Hanwell's keeper Jakub Machlowski to make a one handed save when a curling strike looked destined
to find the top corner. And from Holmes' first foray in to the Hanwell area saw the front man pull the
ball back to Darvall but he sliced wide.
United's breakthrough finally came in the 40th minute. The Hanwell defence were caught adrift as Simpson
found the unmarked Turner on the edge of the area and the newcomer kept his head to fire past Machlowski.
With just a minute of the first half remaining Hanwell pulled level with a highly controversial goal. A
corner from Warren Williams saw Lawrence off his line to collect but as he reached the ball there was a
clear push in the back and the ball fell to Hanwell's Dean Scarlett to tap in. The United contingent went
in at the break fuming but resigned that this was just how their season was panning out.
The second half saw the hosts enjoy more of the play with the impressive Victor Osobu causing mayhem
down the left flank. Fortunately Michael Sacrisbrick was on top form and while he struggled to keep pace
with the nifty winger he managed to keep the danger at bay with some timely tackles. United also had a
man of the match performance to thank from their keeper Lawrence which was crowned by an outstanding
save from Scarlett who let rip from 30 yards out but Lawrence dived full length to turn the ball
around the upright for a corner.
United's chances were limited to the final ten minutes when a cross from Simpson found Holmes but he
headed over and Martin Russell went close after collecting from substitute Jake Goodship.
A draw was the right result and United will be looking to a return to home ground after three away
fixtures.
This Saturday United entertain Tring Athletic with the game available live to watch from the club's
website www.mybufc.com. Kick Off 3pm. Then on Tuesday entertain
Harefield United. Kick Off 7.45pm
United: Lawrence, Scarsibrick, Maltay, Jones, Catmur, Russell, Simpson, Turner (Goodship) Gaskin, (Murray), Holmes, Darvall
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