The hard way is Essex for Crusaders

HUNGERFORD TOWN face their latest Vanarama National League challenge on Saturday when they go to Essex to take on a Chelmsford City that is still unbeaten at home and with clear promotion intentions.

The results of summer investment have been a little mixed, but Chelmsford are seventh in the table and are likely to take stock in the new year to stiffen a promotion challenge under manager Phil Stringer.

They could still rise to second in the table with a win on Saturday, while Hungerford will be facing their first away game since their 5-0 defeat at St Albans, since when they have won twice at home, but lost last week’s FA Trophy tie to Gosport Borough.

Chelmsford have aside packed with ex-league players, a regular feature of City sides over the years - even Jimmy Greaves had a spell in their ranks. 

Mikele Leigertwood ran the rule over Chelmsford and according to Hungerford manager Bobby Wilkinson: He believes they can win this league. If we can get something there it will be a real achievement for us.

“But we will do what we always do, and go there and give it the best we can, but as usual for us it is minnows versus sharks.”

Hungerford’s 16-strong squad may have Stefan Brown fit to play a role after he returned to training this week following an abdominal strain.

What’s the odds?

CHELMSFORD are odds-on favourites to win with bet365 quoting them typically at 4/5 while Hungerford are 2/1 and a draw 12/5.

A 1-0 win to either side is 9/1 and 16.1 respectively, but for a real pre-Christmas funding boost, Hungerford fulfilling their side of the bargain and winning 9-0 would bring a punter a 500/1 return with Paddy Power!