WITHAM Town’s run in the Buildbase FA Trophy came to an end when they lost 3-1 to Hanwell Town at the Simarco Stadium, writes JIM PURTILL.

Hanwell are in the running for promotion from the Isthmian South Central Division, which is at the same level as the division occupied by Witham.

Witham suffered an early blow when Hanwell took the lead in the seventh minute with a good finish from Tomasz Siemenczuk.

Hanwell moved forward with the confidence that comes from an early lead and they established a territorial advantage in the first half.

Harry Rush and Adam Laaref were impressive as the visitors launched a series of attacks.

Witham were a less fluid unit but A’maree Robinson-Jones threatened on the break on the left and Jamahl Godward caused problems for the visiting defence on the other side.

Neither side came very close to another goal in the first half.

Any pressure that the Witham defence had to face was dealt with effectively by Rokas Janilionis and Jack Nolde who both had good afternoons.

Nolde likes to join the attack on the left and he fired over the bar following a good move involving Robinson-Jones, Luke Stanley and Godward.

Hanwell’s Dan Carr shot wide from the right at the other end and the visitors forced two corners just before the break.

Witham made an encouraging start to the second half and found it easier to attack, with Robinson-Jones and Suaibo Balde involved in most of the forward action.

Luke Stanley impressed with his industry and the quality of his passing.

He forged Witham’s equaliser in the 55th minute as his cross from the left was headed into the net for an own goal by Hanwell’s Andy O’Brien.

Witham briefly had a platform on which to base their recovery but four minutes later they found themselves chasing the game again.

They were punished for conceding a soft free-kick when Carr converted to re-establish Hanwell’s lead.

There was a turning point of sorts in the 64th minute when Balde shot wide after he had escaped his marker.

It was Witham’s best chance of the match and they did not come that close to an equaliser again.

Both sides attacked more freely and further goals looked likely.

The introduction of Jordi Papple added spice to Witham’s forward forays and Chris Taylor joined the Witham attack from the bench, but the home side could not find enough quality to trouble ex-Chelsea youth player Hugo Sobte in the Hanwell goal.

Despite plenty of endeavour from the hosts it was Hanwell who scored again to secure the victory in the 90th minute.

Substitute Trevan Robinson had been an effective substitute and the former Haringey Borough striker settled the tie when he scored from another free-kick with only seconds left to play.

It was a disappointing Trophy exit for Witham but they can find consolation in the knowledge that this season’s run equalled the club’s best all-time performance in the competition.

The club’s attention will now turn to two demanding league matches, at Canvey Island on Tuesday and at home to Maldon & Tiptree on Friday, November 5, at 7.45pm.