Nil: Nil at Bulpit Lane against Poole

Hungerford Town and Poole Town battled through wet conditions in a tightly contested affair. Both teams showed defensive discipline and, while chances were scarce, the game was not without drama.

Hungerford recalled their August player of the month James Olls to the starting eleven and Poole changed to a five at the back formation to match the home team. A move Danny Robinson described as a massive complement to the home team.

In the first half, Hungerford’s best moment came in the 28th minute when Louis McGrory’s cross found Harry Williams, whose header struck the post. However, the referee had already blown for a foul. Poole responded ten minutes later with a double chance: Ik Hill’s shot was saved smartly by Luke Cairney, and Josh McCormick’s follow-up effort grazed the outside of the post.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, although the weather brightened. Poole had an early chance through Hill again but Cairney was on hand to beat away his effort. Poole’s biggest chance of the second half came after ten minutes of the half when Shaq Gwengwe had a free header but headed straight into Cairney’s gloves. Hungerford’s threat looked to be crosses into the box, and Ty Duffus got on the end of one midway through the half but his effort went wide.

In stoppage time, Brad Hooper teed up Conor McDonagh but the striker—fresh off a cup hat-trick—blazed over from ten yards.

While the game lacked goals, it was a tactical and physical battle between two well-drilled sides. Poole may feel they edged the chances but Hungerford’s late miss ensured the spoils were shared. Both teams will take positives from a hard-earned point.