Match Preview

Hungerford Town V Chippenham Town
Where: Bulpit Lane, RG17 0BE
When: 8th December 2018
K.O 3PM
Derby day (ish)! 30 miles separates the two sides in what is Hungerford’s closest rival geographically. In the table 17 points and 10 places separate the sides with our visitors chasing a playoff spot whilst Hungerford scrap for survival. However recent performances in the league have improved and there’s no doubt three points will come around again but that needs to come sooner rather than later. With Weston and East Thurrock having a game in hand the Crusaders could go bottom by Christmas!

Form guide- Chippenham fell to a surprise 3-1 home defeat to Weston on Saturday. Before that they had won two on the bounce against Wealdstone and St Albans. Meanwhile Hungerford haven’t won in 5. They lost 3-1 at Welling and Eastbourne in between an impressive 2-2 draw at home to Billericay. Their chasing their first win since October.

Team news- Chippenham have no new injury absentees so manager Mark Collier could have a full squad to choose from. Hungerford only have Dan Bailey as a certain absentee. New signing Rhys Kavanagh could make his home debut after starting last weekend’s game versus Welling. Fellow new recruit Cameron Hargreaves came off the bench last weekend but could also make his home debut.

Star man- Nathaniel Jarvis is the Bluebirds top scorer with 8 goals this season. Jarvis will be making a return to Bulpit Lane after playing for the club between 2015 and 2017. Bristol Rovers loanee Rys Kavanagh impressed against Welling with his pace, ariel ability and hard work rate causing problems for the opposition defence.

Head to head- Last season Hungerford completed an impressive double over the bluebirds. They won both games 2-1 in the space of 6 days. In 2015/16 the Crusaders won 1-0 at home before drawing 1-1 away. In 2014/15 a 1-0 away win followed by a 0-0 draw at home for Hungerford. History favours the hosts ahead of this weekend’s clash.