Conor Lynch on target as Hungerford win their first league game of the season

Conor Lynch scored the only goal in the second half as Hungerford secured their first win of the season at home to Dartford.

Alfie Cue had an early volley blocked for the visitors in the six yard box as Dartford applied the early pressure. Jamie Philpott blazed over from close range when through on goal before Hungerford’s Liam Driscoll was forced into an excellent one handed save from a Ben Greenhalgh free kick. Cue had another excellent opportunity when he shot wide from close range. Chances thereafter were few and far between as both sides battled for control.

Ronnie Vint headed wide from a good position when Driscoll mistimed his punch early in the second half. The hosts could have had a penalty when the referee waved away big appeals from the home players and crowd after Conor Lynch raced through on goal and appeared to be fouled from behind. However just before the half hour mark Lynch broke the deadlock when he again ran in behind the defenders and tucked the ball home into the corner of the net after a superb through ball from Alfy Whittingham. The visitors tried to bounce back but could not find a way through the sturdy home defence well marshalled by Marvel Ekpiteta and despite a few scares the Crusaders stood firm. Darren Foxley missed a golden opportunity to secure the three points late on when he shot straight at the keeper, Deren Ibrahim, but it wasn’t costly as Hungerford moved out the relegation zone with this much needed win.