We saw on Saturday just how unpredictable non-league football can be. After the disappointment of two defeats against teams who we might have gone into the games as favourites, we travelled to fourth placed Basingstoke Town and put in the best performance of the season and came away with a very well deserved 3-1 win. Goals from new signing Ezio Touray, Toby Holmes and Josh Staunton gave the enthusiastic travelling supporters just what they needed to help them on their long journey home.
The win takes us back up to 7th place in the Southern League Premier South table (P15 W6 D4 L5 22 points) and perhaps even more importantly goes a long way to restore some much-needed confidence both amongst the players and supporters. Again, this season we have picked up more points on the road (12) than we have at home (10) which surprisingly, is not uncommon in this league.
This Saturday is the first of two fixtures at the Black Gold, when we welcome the players, supporters and officials of Hungerford Town. The Crusaders are currently in 17th place in the table (P15 W3 D6 L6 15 points) and are still looking for their first away win of the season. They come into the match on the back of two home draws, firstly the 1-1 against Tiverton and then the 1-1 last Saturday against Walton & Hersham where a certain Mr Alfie Santos gave Hungerford a 56th minute lead which was cancelled out by a W & H equaliser in the 86th minute. They are becoming something of draw specialists as they have drawn five of their last six matches. The Crusaders were involved in probably one of the most bizarre matches this season when they beat fellow strugglers Plymouth Parkway 9-3 at home.
We lost both matches against them last season, a 2-1 defeat at Bulpit Lane in October 2023 was followed up with a 3-1 reverse at The Black Gold. Hungerford went on to finish in 8th place, just four points outside of the play-off places.
Hungerford are managed by Danny Robinson who made the switch to Bulpit Lane after five very successful years with Thatcham Town. One of his most proud and memorable moments at the club was winning the FA Vase at Wembley in 2018 and he also won the Hellenic League title and guided the Kingfishers to promotion to the Southern League Division 1 South.
Robinson was very keen to retain the services of the young and very talented striker Elis Watts, who is has scored eight goals this season putting him in 5th place in the league’s leading scorer’s table. He signed a new contract in August 2024 and brings a wealth of non-league experience to the club having worn the colours of Weston-Super-Mare, Aldershot and Hayes & Yeading amongst many others.
Another player to look out for will be Josh Grant the young defender who joined the club from Basingstoke Town recently.
We will be missing Harry Thomas as he serves the second of his two-match ban, but with new signings there is now genuine competition for places. After a very dry and mild week the ground is looking in great shape and ready to welcome a very expectant crowd.
Enjoy the game
Neil Wellington.
