Hungerford Town 2 – 1 Dartford

Hungerford welcomed Curtis Angell and Calum Willmoth back into the side after both missed the previous Saturday’s away defeat at Braintree and went with a very attacking looking lineup with Ryan Seager, Sol Wanjau-Smith and Duane Ofori-Acheampong all starting.

It was indeed a bright start from the home side with a couple of half chances for Ofori-Acheampong. It was Dartford striker Ade Azeez who was catching the attention of the spectators for the wrong reasons, a couple of late challenges on Max Ram and Keith Emmerson saw him lucky to remain on the pitch in the first 15 minutes. Hungerford were still attacking and Seager then went close with a header that Wilks in Dartford’s goal just pushed over the bar. Azeez then forced a good save from Cairney and Ofori-Acheampong then somehow missed a Rhys Tyler cross with the goal gapping, it was end to end stuff. Midway through the half Dartford forced two goal line clearances from Keith Emmerson. Dartford were ending the half strong. Kalvin Kalala then had the best chance of the half when his shot evaded Cairney’s out stretched hand but it hit the inside of the post and bounced along the goal line until it was cleared to safety by Kyle Bailey. Just before half time Azeez forced another goal line clearance from Tyler. Dartford’s manager Steve King was convinced Tyler had used his arm but it had clearly hit his shoulder. King continued his protest much to the annoyance of the referee Ross Martin who tried to calm him down. King’s protests continued and got more abusive towards the officials leaving the referee little choice but to send the Dartford manager off, to the delight of the home supporters. It was goalless at the break.

Hungerford started the second half on the front foot and were soon rewarded with an excellent goal. Ofori-Acheampong found Wanjau-Smith free in the box and he cut his shot across the keeper into the net. Dartford responded by winning a couple of corners one of which was cleared off the line by Tyler again the fourth occasion Hungerford had to do that in the game. Wanjau-Smith was causing problems for Dartford with his pace and won a couple of free kicks in dangerous areas, Jake Evans and Seager with a couple of dangerous deliveries producing chances. The second Hungerford goal came on 73 minutes via an Evans corner Max Ram saw his first attempt blocked but it fell back to him and he smashed it into the net to give Hungerford a two-goal lead. Just after the goal Wanjau-Smith broke free through on goal and was brought down by Dartford centre back Tiensia who was duly sent off. Dartford seem to be losing their temper and Callum Willmoth was the man getting right under their skin, he was upended just after the goal and more pushing and shoving ensued. Just before the end Dartford did pull a goal back from Jake Robinson but it was nothing but a consolation as Hungerford wrapped up their fourth straight win at Bulpit Lane.

Referee – Ross Martin
Attendance – 331
Star Man – Jake Evans
Yellow Cards – Ofori-Acheampong, Willmoth, Angell

Team: Cairney, Tyler, Angell, Emmersom, Ram, Bailey, Willmoth (Sheaf), Evans, Seager, Wanjau-Smith (Burley), Ofori-Acheampong; Subs Not used: Rusby, Jones, McGrory