Crusaders fall to narrow defeat

A second half header from Dean Cox was enough for Eastbourne Borough to claim a deserved victory at Hungerford Town. After two successive victories 300 home supporters turned up hoping for a third straight win but unfortunately left disappointed at the final whistle. It was a small minority of visiting fans that endured an enjoyable journey home. Ian Herring made three changes to the side that defeated Thatcham Town in the Berks and Bucks cup on Tuesday night. Liam Ferdinand and Zidan Akers replaced James Constable and Kofi Halliday in attacking whilst regular right back Marcus Johnson-Schuster also made a return to the starting eleven ahead of Matt Berry-Hargreaves. There was a return to the squad for Mike Jones after an injury lay off.

The visitors had the bulk of chances in the first half including in the first forty-five seconds when Adam Siviter had to tip over James Ferry’s shot. Ferdinand had the first half chance for Hungerford inside eight minutes. Akers did well to wriggle away from the close attention of Kristian Campbell, making space to find Ferdinand in the penalty area. The striker's back-flick had little venom and easy for Thomas Hadler to collect. Charlie Walker then forced Siviter into another fine save. Eastbourne kept the chance alive and the goalkeeper had to stay alert to palm away a long-range strike. Another chance for the hosts fell to Akers but from close range his effort deflected wide. It came after a good pass from Johnson-Schuster and the work rate of Ferdinand. His cross bypassed Conor Lynch but still made it's way through to Akers who couldn't convert the opportunity. Siviter had to save Walker’s free kick before Lynch tested Thomas Hadler at the other end. Walker had another attempt, this time saved at full stretch by the fingertips of Siviter. Matt Jones tried his luck from long-range with the attempt needing to be pushed over by Hadler.

Borough kept on pushing for the opening goal in the second half. Nicholas Wheeler tested Siviter before Taofiq Olomowewe was required to make a last-ditch challenge, denying a clear shot on goal. The visitors then found their deserved lead twenty minutes from time with Cox’s header beating Siviter at his near post. The Crusaders dominated the ball for large parts but were frustrated by a stubborn Eastbourne defence that kept them at bay. James Constable had the best chance in the final ten minutes but Hadler wasn’t called into action as the ball crept wide of a post.

Hungerford now have to turn their attentions to the FA trophy next weekend when they travel to Chelmsford City.