Hungerford Town v Slough Town
Where: Bulpit Lane RG17 0AY
When: 15th January 2019
K.O 7.45PM
After last month’s clash was postponed Hungerford and Slough will go again in this re-arranged Berks and Bucks cup tie. After a good start to 2019 for Hungerford which sees them still unbeaten and Slough only three points off the play offs both sides will see this as an unwelcome distraction to more important league duties. However if the last game earlier on this season is to go by we should have an exciting and open quarter final. Let’s hope I haven’t jinked it!

Form guide- The rebels beat Chelmsford 1-0 at the weekend which was a good reaction from the 4-0 defeat at Torquay. They beat Chalfont St Peter 6-3 in the previous round of the Berks and Bucks to progress to the quarter finals. Hungerford picked up an important point against fellow relegation rivals Gloucester last time out carrying on their good start to 2019 which has seen them beat Oxford City and Concord Rangers. They beat Beaconsfield 2-0 in the last round to progress.

Team news- After an intense Christmas and New year period for both teams it will be interesting to see if either go full strength or look ahead to their respective league games this weekend by making changes to their first 11. The Rebels lost James Dobson last week but signed Matt Lench recently. Otherwise they should have a full squad. Town should also have everyone available apart from Marvel Ekpiteta following Rhys Kavanagh’s return on Saturday. Tommy Ouldridge wasn’t in the squad against Gloucester but travelled to the game as he returned from a loan spell. Charlie McCready started in the last round against Beaconsfield so could come in for Birmingham loanee Michael Luyambula. Another option is academy graduate Tommy Rees for his first start.

Star man- Ex Crusader Louis Soares returns to Bulpit Lane and could start. He was the hosts top goal scorer last campaign but moved to Slough in the summer. Despite having to wait patiently for starts Charlie Ten-Grotenhuis is making a claim to become a regular starter with his impressive displays this year. Against Gloucester he protected the back four well whilst looking forward at every opportunity. He has the potential to cause havoc in the penalty area with his height and physique.

Head to head- The teams met at Arbour Park in September with Slough winning 2-0. That was their first victory against Hungerford since 2012 in the Fa trophy. Otherwise the Crusaders have a good record against the Rebels. They met in the Berks and Bucks cup in 2014 with a 2-1 victory before 4 straight league wins.