Thriller at Gosport; Crusaders just short

It was a thrilling match that saw Hungerford lead twice but a controversial red card and late drama handed Gosport all three points.

Hungerford started brightly, with Zack Kotwica and Louis McGrory combining well in the early stages, though both efforts were comfortably dealt with by the Gosport keeper. James Ollis nearly found Harry Williams with a clever poke through but the flag was raised for offside.

Tyrone Duffus made a crucial goal-saving challenge in the 19th minute to keep things level. The breakthrough came at the 24-minute mark when Brad Hooper marked his 100th appearance for Hungerford with a composed finish from a McGrory cross.

Gosport responded swiftly. Just five minutes later, ex Hungerford player Rafael Ramos latched onto a Charlie Wassmer header and fired past Luke Cairney to level the score. But Hungerford regained the lead before the break, the alert Hooper again on hand to tap in after Williams’ effort struck the post.

McGrory continued to be a creative force, and Duffus nearly added a third from his corner. Matt Berry-Hargreaves also came close with a long-range effort just before the whistle

James Ollis dazzled early in the second half but his shot couldn’t beat the keeper. Gosport applied early pressure, winning corners, but Cairney stood firm.

Tensions flared around the hour mark, with three yellow cards handed out following a scuffle. Hungerford then thought they were in for a third when Williams broke through, only to be denied by a late offside flag.

The game turned on its head in the final ten minutes. Berry-Hargreaves was shown red for a professional foul on Ethan Taylor in the 84th minute. It looked harsh as Tyronne Duffus looked to be covering. Gosport capitalised almost immediately, Dan Wooden bundled in an equaliser after a chaotic sequence following the free-kick.

Moments later, Joe Morrison smashed home from close range to complete the home sides comeback. Gosport had a chance to seal it from the spot in stoppage time but Cairney saved the penalty to keep Hungerford’s hopes alive—though it was too late.

Photo by kind permission of Hungerford Town Football Club