Crusaders suffer opening day defeat

A dominant Hungerford Town side were punished nine minutes from time when Ricky Modeste curled home the winning goal for Concord Rangers.

Against the run of play, Modeste cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable curling effort into the top corner of the net. It had been all Hungerford in the second half, but they could not find a way past goalkeeper Melvin Minter.

Manager Danny Robinson handed out four debuts in his first starting eleven of the season. Mark Scott started in goal whilst Joel Rollinson, Adam Liddle and Niko Muir made their debuts in attack.

The first clear chance on goal came after good work from that trio of new signings. Liddle surged to the by-line, pulling the ball back to Muir to hold up. Muir laid it to Rollinson who created space for a strike before firing over.

Muir tried an ambitious long-range effort that he dragged a foot wide of a post.

A quick counter attack led to a big chance for Rollinson, who after cutting inside Tosan Popo shot straight at the goalkeeper. Popo then created a chance for his team at the other end, sending a deep cross into the penalty area that Danny Green could only head straight at Scott.

Scott had to make another save to keep out Ryan Blackman's low free kick. Minter was tested by Muir’s attempt, that he got down low to save.

The hosts had the better of the first half and would come out stronger in the second. The majority of the play was in Concord's half as Hungerford looked for a way through there defensive block. Long range attempts were still the order of the afternoon as Jake Evans hit a volley over and had an effort saved by Minter, which he collected at the second attempt.

A goal looked likely to come through the lively Rollinson. He had a great opportunity when sent storming into space down the left wing one on one with one of the Concord defenders. The defender stood up the challenge well with Rollinson unable to advance into the penalty area onto his favoured right foot and saw his shot blocked.

Substitute Kamaron English nearly made an instant impact with Minter needing to push wide his fierce shot. Minter was again called upon to deny Curtis Angell from close range, who should have scored.

The visitors snatched all three points when Modeste cut inside and curled home. Modeste passed wide the chance to seal the game in the 90th minute which nearly cost them as they needed a goal line clearance in the dying seconds to hold on for the win.

Hungerford are next in action next Saturday away to Dover Athletic, 3PM kick off.