Hungerford Town safely negotiated a potentially tricky FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie with a commanding 4-0 victory over Western League side Wells City.

The Crusaders welcomed Ben Stallard back into midfield, while Ackeem Stewart returned to the starting line-up to spearhead the attack. From the opening whistle, Hungerford looked determined to impose themselves and quickly began creating opportunities.

An early talking point arrived after ten minutes when Stallard's strong challenge in front of the Wells City bench prompted loud appeals for a red card. The referee judged the tackle worthy of a caution, much to the frustration of the home side, and Stallard's afternoon continued with a yellow card to his name.

Hungerford's attacking intent was evident throughout the first half. Nmams Nwachuku and Nana Owusu both had efforts blocked, while Kyle Bailey saw a well-directed header from a corner comfortably dealt with by the Wells goalkeeper.

The breakthrough finally arrived on the half-hour mark. Ackeem Stewart showed excellent awareness on the right flank before delivering a low cross into the penalty area where Brad Smith was on hand to apply the finishing touch, calmly steering the ball beyond the goalkeeper to give the visitors a deserved lead.

Wells attempted to unsettle Hungerford with an increasingly physical approach, with Ben Stallard, Brad Smith and Ryan Clarke all on the receiving end of late challenges as the contest became more heated.

Just before the interval, Hungerford doubled their advantage with a moment of real quality. Celebrating his birthday in style, Stewart reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the area and curled a superb effort into the top corner to send the travelling supporters into raptures and the Crusaders into the break two goals to the good.

The visitors continued where they left off after half-time and nearly added a third when Stewart again combined brilliantly with Brad Smith. Smith looked certain to score before Wells somehow managed to clear the ball off the line.

Manager Danny Robinson turned to his bench as the game entered its final stages, introducing Sheldon Wright, Owen Smith and Harry Watts to inject fresh energy into the attack. The move paid dividends ten minutes from time when Watts reacted quickest inside the box, showing great composure to slot home his first goal in Hungerford colours.

There was still time for one more goal as Hungerford rounded off an impressive afternoon in Somerset. Fellow substitute Sam Tanner put the finishing touches to the victory, smashing home from close range with just minutes remaining to complete a comprehensive 4-0 success.

It was a professional and clinical display from the Crusaders, who never allowed their lower-league opponents to gain a foothold in the contest. Hungerford now await the draw for the next round as their FA Cup journey continues.

Clarke, Bell, Medford-Smith, Berry-Hargreaves, Bailey, Stallard (O Smith), Kamden-Fotsu, B Smith (Watts), Owusu (wright), Nwachuku (Alston), Stewart (Tanner)
Subs Unused : Clark, Franklin
Star Man : Ackeem Stewart