United claim first victory against Crusaders

Maidstone got off and running in the National league south but Hungerford gave them a good test and should've had a share of the points. After Tuesdays win over Slough Town manager Ian Herring decided to field an unchanged starting eleven. The first 25 minutes was a non-affair but despite United having the lion’s share of possession, the hosts took the lead through James Constable. Left back Joe Tomlinson won the ball in midfield and Liam Ferdinand played through Constable, one on one with the goalkeeper, who finished confidently into the corner. The visitors were soon level five minutes before half time when a ball from the right hand side was headed in by Dan Wishart. It was a sucker punch just before the interval and changed the dynamic of the game.
After the break Hungerford started brightly and a James Rusby long throw caused problems. United didn’t clear there lines and Rusby volleyed at goal only to see Jack Cole save his strike. Ferdinand benefited from a bouncing ball to get in front of Ryan Johnson and force Cole into another good save. However, the Stones were to score the next goal. Nana Kyei hit the bar with a curling effort then brought a good save from the legs of Adam Siviter. Then the winger was tripped by Crusaders captain Mike Jones and converted the spot kick sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Substitute Zidan Akers used his pace to good effect bypassing the Maidstone defence but failing to apply the finish. The miss proved costly as Clovis Kambjo fired home from close range minutes later. Olutade had a chance to make it four from the spot but Adam Siviter saved to his right hand side.

With the Stones taking long to get into there rhythm and subsequently cause trouble to the Crusaders backline, Herring will be disappointing in not converting there chances to claim at least a point out of the game. Hungerford therefore move down the table to 15th and face a tough proposition away at Bath City on Tuesday night.