Hungerford Town FC – FA Cup, next round!

Hungerford eased into the FA Cup 3rd qualifying round with a comfortable 3:0 win over neighbours Swindon Supermarine!

The game began with both sides probing cautiously. Marine looked to hit on the counter while Hungerford applied steady pressure. Louis McGrory registered the first meaningful effort in the 10th minute after a neat one-two with George Smith but his shot lacked venom. And Zack Kotwica tested the keeper in the 39th minute but his effort was comfortably saved.

The breakthrough came just before the interval. Conor McDonagh opened the scoring, pouncing on a goalmouth scramble caused by a George Smith long throw that was closely followed by Jordan Rose forcing a strong save from a header off McGrory’s free kick. Hungerford went into the break deservedly ahead, leading 1–0.

The hosts, Marine, came out firing after the restart and after three minutes Joe Shepherd was brought down in the box, earning a penalty. McDonagh coolly slotted the penalty home for his second of the afternoon. Moments later Jordan Rose came close again, poking just over from a Ramarni Medford-Smith corner.  In the 54th minute, McDonagh was a Hat-trick hero! completing his treble by finishing off another chaotic moment sparked by a George Smith throw-in. 

With the score at 3–0, Hungerford managed the game expertly. Kyle Tooze had a couple of decent efforts, including a volley over the bar and a blocked shot that drew handball appeals. George Smith continued to threaten with dangerous deliveries, one of which was cleared in the 84th minute. 

Overall it was a dominant display from Hungerford, who combined set-piece prowess, attacking intent and disciplined defending to secure a place in the next round. Conor McDonagh, with his ruthless hat-trick, was a constant threat in the box.

Photo by kind permission of Hungerford Town Football Club