Bancroft’s 55-second strike sees Hungerford through in FA Cup

Hungerford Town are through to the next round of the FA Cup after defeating Yate Town 1-0 on Saturday.

The clash at Bulpit lane saw manager Danny Robinson make multiple changes to his side, resting players ahead of a busy schedule of upcoming away games.

There was a start for former Aston Villa centre-back Luke Softley, fan-favourite Louie Paget and former Bristol City midfielder Henry Spalding, while former Sporting CP and Oxford United youngster Fabio Lopes returned to the squad for the first time this season.

It was summer signing Jacob Bancroft who made the breakthrough, finishing calmly on his weaker right foot to give his side the lead after just 55 seconds.

The rest of the first half was a midfield battle with few chances, as the Crusaders set the tempo.

The second half saw more action, as Hungerford had a goal ruled out for a foul on the keeper before missing multiple close range chances to wrap the game up.

1-0 is how it would end though, putting Hungerford through to the next round where they’ll face Winchester City on September 14th.

Robinson was pleased, saying how “if we got the second one, we could have got a third and fourth”.

“Yate are a very good side that will no doubt be back at Step 3 next season.

“A pleasing win, a clean sheet and into the next round”, he said.

Robinson was pleased with Town’s late-window business having announced the arrival of pacey 25-year-old striker Dawid Regula last week.

He arrives from Larkhall Athletic in the division below, where he bagged eleven goals last season.

“We’re very excited!”, he said.

“We had a space to fill when we found out Conor McDonagh would miss most of the season.

“I watched him against Dorchester in pre-season and he scored twice.

“I sent some people to have another look at him and the reports came back very positive.

“He’s met the lads and has looked sharp in training. He’s in line to be in Saturday’s squad.

“We’ve got a busy schedule. Wimborne away on Saturday.

“But we’ve got a strong squad, we’ll use it as much as we can.”