Crusaders knocked out of cup

A valiant second half display was unable to keep Hungerford in the FA cup as they fell to defeat away to Poole Town. Although this was cup competition Ian Herring took the game seriously making just the one change from the team that defeated Dulwich Hamlet last weekend. New loan signing Akinwale Odimayo from Reading made his debut in-place of Conor Lynch. James Rusby moved into a holding midfield role giving Mike Jones further freedom to venture forward.

The hosts, on a five game unbeaten run in the Southern league South, made a bright start to the match. Captain Jamie Whisken headed over an early free kick whilst Corby Moore's long-range effort stung the fingertips of Adam Siviter. They continued to dictate the early manoeuvring's of the game winning the majority of headers and second balls as well as giving their higher placed visitors little time to settle in possession. Therefore, it was no surprise around the Blackgold stadium when Harry Baker latched onto a Marvin Brooks header to give the hosts a deserving lead. Content with their lead, Poole sat back giving Hungerford the majority of possession in the last twenty minutes of the half. Despite this Luke Cairney only had one save to make. A deep Louis McGrory free kick found Rusby at the back post whose header forced a simple save out of the goalkeeper.

Early in the second half, Herring made an attacking change replacing Rusby with winger Zidan Akers. Akers thought he had brought the Crusaders level on the hour mark but the linesman ruled it out for offside. It came because of good work from Liam Ferdinand to recycle a corner back into the penalty area where Akers was waiting to head it home. Celebrations were short-lived but not for long. Ferdinand picked up the ball on the edge of the area and curled home a beauty into the top corner. The equaliser gave confidence and enthusiasm back to the fans and players making the final twenty minutes an intriguing affair. Approaching the final exchanges the Dolphins were holding on but also sensed an opportunity for a late winner. Siviter had to make an excellent save to deny Oliver Bennett; Josh Carmichael nearly had the goal of the round wrapped up until his fierce attempt stroked the top of the crossbar. Siviter was alert again to make another superb stop before he was eventually beaten. Jake Cope from the edge of the box curled a low effort home into the corner sending the home fans into delirium. That wasn't the last action of the game as the referee added on six additional minutes. Needing a goal the ball was being pumped into the box at every opportunity with Matt Jones going closest with a deflected shot. Unfortunately the late equaliser didn't come and the Crusaders were knocked out of the FA cup at the first hurdle.

We now turn back to the National League South where we'll face Welling United at Bulpit Lane this coming Saturday.