Crusaders comfortably into FA Cup next round

Hungerford eased into the 2nd qualifying round of the FA Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win over Wessex League AFC Stoneham at Bulpit Lane. A game played in tricky wet conditions.

Hungerford centre back Matt Berry-Hargreaves nearly scored in the opening ten minutes when he fizzed a shot at goal from thirty yards! His shot beat the post with the keeper just a spectator.

The Wessex League side had a big chance when Liam Callaghan could only shoot straight at Luke Cairney, the Hungerford stopper saving well with his feet. Hungerford then had a goal chalked off for offside after 30 mins via striker Kyle Tooze. 

Hungerford always looked dangerous on set pieces and Jordan Rose and Ty Duffus both went close with headed efforts in the first half. Hungerford wing back, Remarni Medford-Smith had a big penalty shout just before half time but it was adjudged that Medford-Smith had actually fouled a defender beforehand when all expected a penalty.

The home side started the second half still in a positive attacking mode despite now going up the Bulpit Lane slope. It only took 15 minutes for Hungerford to open the scoring. Conor McDonagh capitalized on a goalkeeping error from the young Stoneham keeper who spilled a cross from Zach Koticwa for Conor McDonagh to pounce. Hungerford striker Harry Williams then finished off a James Ollis cross midway through the half to double Hungerford’s lead. Again the keeper could only parry Williams’ initial shot and the striker gratefully tapped the ball in. 

It then only took three more minutes for Hungerford to add the third this time Ollis himself finishing at the near post past the keeper after latching on to a headed clearance from Rose.  This third goal clinched the game for Hungerford but could have been more! Especially when Williams hit the post when one on one with the Stoneham keeper.  Hungerford however were in total control and saw the game out comfortably.

Photos by kind permission of Hungerford Football Club