Hungerford Town claimed their first league win of the season in convincing fashion as they overcame Hartpury FC 4-1 at Bulpit Lane on Saturday afternoon.

Looking to bounce back from the disappointment of Tuesday night's late defeat against Melksham Town, manager Danny Robinson named an attack-minded side, with Ackeem Stewart joining Nmams Nwachuku in the forward line and Nana Owusu returning to the starting eleven.

The visitors almost stunned the home crowd inside the opening minute. A defensive mix-up handed Billy Osborn a clear sight of goal, but with the target gaping he dragged his effort wide.

That miss proved costly as Hungerford struck moments later. Fraser Bell delivered an excellent cross to the far post and Nwachuku was perfectly placed to fire home and give the Crusaders an early advantage.

Stewart's long throw-ins became a defining feature of the first half, repeatedly causing problems for the Hartpury defence. On 24 minutes the pressure told when one of his trademark deliveries was punched into his own net by goalkeeper Locke under pressure from James Clark, doubling Hungerford's lead.

The Crusaders continued to threaten, with Kyle Bailey and Nwachuku both going close from similar situations. Stewart thought he had added a third after being released by an excellent through ball from Nwachuku, only for the assistant referee's flag to deny him.
Hartpury remained in the contest and reduced the deficit shortly before the break when Osborn made amends for his earlier miss, finishing well to send the visitors into half-time trailing by a single goal.

Any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished after the restart. Hungerford restored their two-goal cushion when Stewart delivered an inviting cross and Nwachuku rose highest to power a header beyond Locke for his second goal of the afternoon.

Stewart's impressive display deserved a goal of its own and it arrived later in the half. This time the forward broke clear of the defence and calmly slotted beyond the goalkeeper to make it 4-1, with no flag denying him on this occasion.

With a comfortable lead established, Hungerford controlled proceedings for the remainder of the match. Nwachuku came close to completing a hat-trick but was denied by a fine save from Locke, while the Crusaders continued to look the more likely side to score.

In the end, the final whistle confirmed a deserved and comprehensive 4-1 victory, earning Hungerford their first three points of the campaign and providing a timely boost ahead of the FA Cup fixture on Friday night V Wokingham Town.

Team : Clarke, Bell, Medford-Smith, Bailey (Rose), Franklin, O Smith (Kamdem-Fotso), Stallard, Clark (Tanner), Nwachuku, Owusu (Wright), Stewart (Squires)

Star Man: Nmams Mwachuku
Attendance : 238