Crusaders defeated at Ricay

Hungerford battled hard throughout but were dispatched comfortably by Billericay by the end of proceedings. It took a much improved second half from the hosts to get the three points after a frustrating fist forty five. Ian Herring made three changes to the side that drew with Dartford on Monday. Joe Tomlinson, Mike Jones and George Smith replaced Matt Jones, Dan Bailey and Louis McGrory respectively.

It was Hungerford who started off the better side, keeping and passing the ball well on the floor. Mike Jones had the first shot inside four minutes which went high over the stand behind the goal. The first big chance came the way of Moses Emmanuel for the hosts stinging the fingertips of Adam Siviter. The goalkeeper then made a good save from Gavin Gunning before James Rusby made crucial block to deny Emmanuel. It was a stop-start game with the visitors doing well for large parts to frustrate Billericay at the half time whistle. Alan Julian wasn't tested in the home goal but the visitors did get into dangerous area's only to be let down by a lack of composure in front of goal.

Ricay made a quick start to the second period, scoring almost instantly from kick off. Sam Deering drived at the Hungerford defence and saw a shot on goal blocked. However, the deflection fell kindly for the unmarked Emmanuel to tap home. With the wind in their sails, Emmanuel tested Siviter as they chased a quick second goal. That second goal was to arrive when Mat Rhead went down easily from the challenge of Rusby. Jordan Parkes converted the penalty despite the goalkeeper diving the right way. With twenty five minutes to go Rhead made sure of the points heading of the underside of the bar although the ball didn't seem to fully cross the line. Louis McGrory came closest to a consolation goal striking a fine volley which Julian saved well.

Hungerford now have to bounce back with another tricky away encounter at Havant and Waterlooville on Wednesday night. 7.45 kick off.