Nothing between the teams

Like two heavyweight boxers slugging it out in the ring league leaders Poole Town and third place Hungerford went toe to toe once again and produced another absorbing game of football. As with the return game at Bulpit Lane back in August, all that was missing was a goal as both sides traded blows without being able to deliver a knock-out punch. The Dolphins enjoyed the better of the first half and the Crusaders probably won the second half on points but honours again ended even and both managers will have been relatively happy with the draw.

Poole started the game on the front foot and forced several early corners and promising positions from free kicks but were unable to directly threaten Paul Studley's goal and the half soon settled into a 'war of attrition' as both teams struggled to retain any meaningful possession of the ball. Defences were very much on top with Will Spetch of Poole and Matt Day of Hungerford particularly dominant. Hungerford's one and only real chance of the half came on 25 minutes when Jon Boardman headed narrowly over from a corner and the half-time whistle arrived with neither side being able to create any clear goal scoring opportunities.

The second half was much better, particularly for The Crusaders as more space started to open up for the forwards. Alan O'Brien's rampaging runs down the left hand side began to threaten the home goal and as the pace began to increase referee Mark Lucie was kept busy and produced a flurry of yellow cards for persistent fouls from both sides. Hungerford were by now pushing the home side back and Stefan Brown came closest to breaking the deadlock on 75 minutes when his run and shot was just tipped over the bar by Poole goalkeeper Nick Hutchings. The Dolphins were again indebted to their 'man of the match' keeper minutes later when he held on to a downward header from a Hungerford corner as the visitors threatened again. With the game deep in to time added on, Poole almost snatched a winner when Steve Devlin was given a golden opportunity from a free kick 25 yards from goal but his shot crashed into the wall and the referee's whistle immediately brought an end to proceedings and an honourable draw.

With Chippenham Town losing at home to Cambridge City by three goals to one Poole were able to extend their lead at the top of the table to 9 points whilst Hungerford held on to 3rd position and look forward to their FA Trophy 1st Round Proper trip to Corinthian Casuals on Saturday.