Hungerford can't force winner against Clarets

Hungerford threw everything but the kitchen sink at nine-man Chelmsford City but couldn’t quite find a winner as the woodwork came to the Clarets rescue three times in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night.

Hungerford were far the better side in the opening exchanges but couldn't find an opener as frontman Dan Roberts limped off and Joel Rollinson's strike from the edge of the box was spectacularly tipped onto the bar by Chelsea loanee Eddie Beach.

The Crusaders went behind after half an hour when Callum Jones headed in from close range but Hungerford continued to dominate and hit the woodwork a second time in the 66th minute as Matt Berry-Hargreaves' looping header hit the top of Beach's bar.

The hosts were finally back on terms and the visitors down to 10 men when Clarets captain Dave Winfield handled Louis McGrory's effort on the line, allowing Jake Evans to make amends for his miss against Eastbourne Borough with an emphatic strike from the penalty spot.

Four minutes later and Chelmsford were reduced to nine after Henry Ochieng received his marching orders for a second yellow card as the home side threw everything at the Clarets.

Robinson sent goalkeeper Jed Ward up for a corner in added time as the Crusaders went in search of a winner but were denied by the upright in the 94th minute when substitute Jerry Gyebi fired a shot against the post as Hungerford were forced to settle for a point, having done more than enough to win all three.