Crusaders unfortunate at lucky Eastbourne

However the Crusaders made a positive start on the south coast and scored a quick goal through Dan Bailey on 4 minutes. His neat finish was his first for the club. Danilo Orsi-Dadomo, who assisted Bailey’s goal, could have had one of his own near after. His close range finish was saved by Mark Smith. The Sports goalkeeper was then the most relived man on the pitch. Visiting defender Marvel Expiteta lobbed him from beyond the half way line and Smith caught the ball in his own goal. It had undisputedly gone over the line but the referee and linesman failed to spot this basic decision costing Hungerford a deserved second goal for their efforts. It didn’t seem to affect them and they kept on going as Eastbourne were still finding their feet. Charlie Walker nearly pulled a goal back with his header, their first shot on target in the 40th minute. Ryan Hall spurned a second opportunity before half time but the visitors were rewarded with a half time lead showing their overall superiority and defensive discipline.
However the hosts reacted after half time. They started to pass quicker in the final third and got an equaliser through Halls strike, three minutes after the restart. Ekpiteta was centre of attention once more when he slipped in the penalty area accidently tripping over a Borough player. A penalty was unjustifiably awarded but referee Jack Packman also wanted to be centre of attention as he sent the centre back off. Yemi Odubade coolly placed the penalty straight down the middle as the game turned. Even with ten men Town battled on, playing it around nicely still looking the better team. However the man advantage was paying dividends when the hosts did attack. Torres had a close range header saved, Kane Wills flashed over unmarked before Hall sealed the points with a low finish. Dean Cox and Wills had late half changes as the game petered out where on another day Hungerford would have got what they deserved.