It was the first away win in the league for the Crusaders since the 26th March 2024, when they won 2-1 at Poole Town, and the performance merited the points.

The injuries and illness to Hungerford’s squad continued with Tooze, Jarra, Hooper, Bancroft and of course McDonagh still out. Berry-Hargreaves made a return however and Anthony Dwyer was rewarded with a full debut after his goal at Taunton the previous Saturday.

Hungerford started on the front foot and it was Jose Marquez into the early action as he forced Marine keeper Pagel into a good early save. Marquez however did not take long to get himself on the score sheet powering a header into the net from a Louis McGrory corner. It was a deserved opening goal for an attacking first ten minutes.

After the goal though the home side settled into the game and kept the ball really well on a heavy surface. Hungerford struggled to break up the pattern of play and the home side created several chances. It was towards the end of the half when one of these chances came to fruition. After a sweeping moved Supermarine’s Olly Mehew finished past Ryan Clarke to equalise a great team goal and a fair reflection on the half to go it 1-1 at half time.

With a slight tactical change at half time Hungerford pushed on to Marine in the second half and this made all the difference. Five minutes into the half Alfie Santos whipped a shot across goal that just evaded the far post. Jordan rose had to go off moments later however Hungerford picking up another injury to a key player.

Just before the hour Santos put Hungerford into the lead. Picking up a loose ball he controlled and finished past Pagel giving the Marine keeper no chance. Hungerford were now buoyant and it took just two more minutes to add a third Anthony Dwyer with another first time touch and shot finish, showing a clinical finish that will be a welcome addition to the team.

It was all Hungerford now, Dwyer hit the post from a tight angle just two minutes after the third goal followed by Marquez also hitting the upright moments later. The Crusders almost scoring four goals in ten minutes.

It was then just a case of could Hungerford add a fourth. They almost did Regula and Berchiche now on as subs both had chances, the later particularly unlucky after a fingertip save from Pagel prevented his cross shot going in. In the end though Hungerford settle for the three goals and the three points. With performances like this the wait for another away win will not be as long

Team : Clarke, Tyler, Medford-Smith, Berry-Hargreaves, Rose (Softley), McGrory, Smith, Shepherd, Santos (Paget), Marquez (Berchiche), Dwyer (Regula)
Sub Not Used : Curtis
Star Man : Jose Marquez