Whimpering at Winchester

It was a game played in horrible conditions and it was an equally horrible performance from Hungerford at Winchester

The Crusaders were without Joe Shepherd and perhaps some of his energy was lacking in midfield

It was a bright enough start though from the visiting side and it looked like only a matter of time before they took the lead. Josiah Bridgeman should have indeed done so after quarter of an hour but ex Hungerford keeper Luke Cairney in goal for the home side produced a good double save to stop him, although it did look easier to score than to hit it straight at the keeper.

Winchesters Carborn forced a good save out of Ryan Clarke five minutes later with Jack Stanley doing some alert defending to prevent any follow up chance. After that both teams struggled to make a clear cut chance with both the wind and the pitch stopping any free flowing football.

In the second half Hungerford had the wind in their favour and it was Bridgeman again forcing Cairney to tip the ball over the bar five minutes in. This was ultimately Hungerford’s only real effort in anger in a poor second half showing with Winchester gradually gaining control and you felt perhaps a goal for the home side was coming. It did in the mid point of the half when Hill had a cross converted by Griggs

Sadly this goal didn’t inspire the away team into producing anything of more quality even in front of an impressive away support. It was Clarke who was the busier keeper. Sub Elliott Dugan got sent off late on the really finish off Hungerford’s day and probably playoff hopes

Team : Clarke, Stanley, Medford-Smith, Jarra, Berry-Hargreaves, Hooper, De St Croix (Dugan), Lopes (Gardiner-Smith), Watts, McDonagh, Bridgeman (Paget) Subs Not Used : Softley, Harvey

Attendance :410
Star Man : Jack Stanley