HANWELL Town are still searching for their first league win of the season, but will take heart from Tuesday night's vastly improved display at local rivals Harefield United.

A pulsating game, where good chances were missed at both ends, ended 1-1.

Town took the lead five minutes before the interval when Matt Kidson headed home a free-kick drilled towards the near post by Chris Mills.

But Harefield equalised on the hour when keeper Kieran Jimmy, under a strong challenge, was unable to hold on to a high ball in his goal area and Danny Buckle seized on the opportunity to drive the ball home from a narrow angle.

Both sides had chances to win the game, especially Harefield's Jamie Houliston, who somehow managed to head the ball over the bar from point blank range. But overall, a draw was the right result.

Hanwell travel to Langford on Saturday, still stranded at the bottom of the table after six games. On Tuesday night (7.45pm) they are at home to Brimsdown Rovers.

Town's dismal start to the season continued on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 by Bedford - a club a division below - in the second qualifying round of The FA Vase.

Town failed to capitalise on the much greater amount of possession they had.

Mid-way through the second half Jimmy made a fine save to prevent Ian Thorne from giving the home side the lead, but he was left helpless shortly after when Thorne headed a long free-kick back across the face of the goal for Jason Layne to prod home.

Town pressed furiously for the equaliser and with just five minutes remaining sub Keith Rowlands found Blaise O'Brien, whose cross was turned in by Mills.

But with extra-time looming, an attempted crossfield pass by O'Brien struck Mills and the ball rebounded into the path of Thorne, who raced away to score.