Crusaders’ fantastic away win!
Hungerford sealed their fifth consecutive win in a game with three goals in a frantic opening seven minutes followed by a stalemate.
After only two minutes a long ball from Matt Berry-Hargreaves found Harry Williams in the box. Williams fought off the initial challenge from keeper Max Evans and managed to spin around the keeper in the process. Williams however was brought down by The Basingstoke goal keeper for a clear penalty. The spot kick was dispatched by Hungerford captain Louis McGrory with his usual spot kick aplomb.
Basingstoke hit back immediately and in under a minute were level. A cross into Hungerford’s box was only half cleared by a Ty Duffus header which fell to Brad Wilson who hit a sensational volley past Luke Cairney.
It only took two minutes for Hungerford to retake the lead. Ramarni Medford-Smith pounced on a defensive error and played in Williams who this time took the chance himself taking the ball around the goal keeper to tap into an empty net for his fourth goal of the season.
Ex Hungerford striker Liam Ferdinand missed a golden chance ten minutes later, putting a shot wide of Cairney’s post. The home side pushed forward for the remainder of the half but apart from the Ferdinand chance did not trouble Cairney. Hungerford went close too when Zack Kotwica had a headed chance saved by Evans just before the break from a dangerous Medford-Smith corner.
After the break Hungerford seemed content to hold Basingstoke in a disciplined performance at the back. The game was filled with lots of stoppages in play. Duffus however had a chance to make it more comfortable but put a chance inside the box over the bar.
Basingstoke had now brought on summer signing Charlie Austin and were perhaps hoping the ex professional could turn the game. He had a chance with five minutes to go with a shot heading towards the bottom corner. With Austin wheeling away in celebration Cairney somehow got his hand to the ball to save. This was much to the delight of the Hungerford fans who did not want to see Austin score against his hometown club.
Despite an added eight minutes Basingstoke could not find the equaliser and Hungerford got the reward of a victory for another disciplined display!
The Crusaders next home game is on Saturday against Swindon Supermarine in the FA Cup 2nd round qualifying. Come on the Hungerford!
Photo by kind permission of Hungerford Town Football Club
