Crockford returns to Hungerford

Midfielder returns from Hayes as Hungerford go into the final third of the promotion chase

MIDFIELDER Ryan Crockford has returned to Hungerford Town in time for the club's 13-match run towards a prized Evo Stik League promotion place.

Crockford was recently released by Hayes and Yeading, the Blue Square Premier club he joined in the summer.

Despite making a bright start, a spate of injuries cost him his place and he was one of six players released by manager Naz Bashir.

Hungerford manager Bobby Wilkinson has taken him back, although he is unlikely to step straight into a side that has gone four matches without defeat since arresting a poor run.

"He's a top player and it's good to have him back," he said, " But I'm not sure where I can play him just now. We're on a good run and the players are really focussed, just as they were early in the season when we went on that long, unbeaten run."

As well as Crockford, Wilkinson has Dean Stow and Chris Blackford back to rejoin the squad for Saturday's visit of Didcot Town.