Kyal McNulty started the half by getting himself into the book, a robust challenge on visiting captain Watson earned him a yellow card. The first effort on goal had to wait until the quarter hour mark, when Ash Fuller controlled and turned on the edge of the box, only to cut his effort wide of the far post. Hanwell’s best chance of the half came shortly afterwards, as full back Mitchell surged down the right flank and crossed low. Wright was on hand in the box but failed to make meaningful contact at the near post, allowing Rovers to clear the danger. On the half hour mark, Jake Newman raced clear of the defence, who had all pushed up and waited for the linesman to flag, Newman couldn’t capitalise on the situation, stabbing the ball wide of the near post. Into first half stoppage time and McNulty found himself in the middle of a heated moment. A firm challenge in the middle of the park saw the entire Hanwell side surround the referee demanding a second yellow card. The referee saw sense and only awarded the free kick. From the filthy looks cast in Kyal’s direction, it was perhaps wise that he was subbed for George Boland shortly afterwards to avoid any retributive challenges.

It was goal less at the break, with the wind and the referee very much controlling the flow of the game.

Rovers started the second half a lot brighter and could’ve been in front within moments, Fuller’s through ball finding Sam Johnson who raced into the area and saw his shot tipped over. In the fifty third minute, the deadlock was broken. A needless free kick was given away by the Hanwell midfield, just on the edge of the area in the left hand channel. Luke Heneghan stepped up and curled the ball over the wall and into the near bottom corner, a moment of class in an otherwise drab game to this point. Moments later, the lead could’ve been double, but Fuller’s shot from ten yards was heroically blocked by the defender. Charlie Mitchell stung the palms of Martin Conway just before the hour mark after going on a long run from the back, Conway recovered and smothered the danger. With ten minutes to go, Rovers should’ve killed the game off, Fuller found Johnson and the winger cut inside and unleashed a shot that cannoned back of the base of the near post and trundled along the goal line and out for a goal kick. Johnson received a yellow card for a late challenge on Ehui shortly afterwards. In the eighty fourth minute, Rovers were made to pay. A corner from the left hand side was whipped in and, thanks to an assist from Storm Brian, flew into the far top corner. Rovers will ask questions about the defending and the concession of the corner, but the equaliser was no more than Hanwell deserved for their industrious play in midfield. Luke Heneghan also found his way into the referee’s notebook before the end, although exactly what for was not easily apparent.

The game ended one all. Given the gusty conditions, entertainment was a premium this afternoon. Hopefully, come the end of the season, the two dropped points wont prove crucial in Rovers push for a top six place. Kempston remain in fifth spot for now, as the sides around in the league table also faltered. Tuesday night sees Rovers make the short trip to Cardington to face Bedford Town. There is no first team game next weekend, however the Development side travel to Wilstead and would appreciate your support.