Defeat at Hanwell means Hungerford consigned to another season in Southern League

IN the end, it proved to be a game too far.

Hungerford Town’s dwindling Southern League Premier South play-off hopes were finally extinguished at Hanwell Town on Saturday.

The Crusaders needed to win their last two games and hope other results went their way to book a top-five place.

But injuries and hectic fixture schedule told and it was just too much for weary Hungerford.

Manager Danny Robinson was naturally disappointed to see the play-off hopes finally ended.

He said: “We have had a hectic schedule and have been missing five first-team players throughout that time and it has taken its toll.

“We should have been in front at half-time, but Hanwell started well in the second half and we just couldn’t get going.

“In the end, their desire to stay in the division was enough and fair play to them, they deserved it.”

Although Town were disappointed to miss out on the play-offs, they can look back on a positive season.

Only three members of Town’s National League South side from last season stayed at the club, meaning a complete rebuild was necessary.

Robinson said: “We took it to almost the last week of the season.

“We have learned a lot this season and have laid the foundations to move on next season.

“Most of the squad have agreed to stay for next season, so after this week, the players will have a few weeks off and then we’ll go again.”

The game at Hanwell started slowly and the stop-start nature of the game certainly suited the home side as despite Hungerford having the majority off possession they struggled to create any real chances.

Joe Shepherd had Hungerford’s first shot in anger in the 25th minute, but this was comfortably saved by Hanwell keeper Sam Beasant.

A couple of minutes later Crusaders produced their best chance of the half and ultimately the game.

Conor McDonagh swung in a delicious cross from the right that found Fabio Lopes in the six-yard box.

H he beat Beasant to the ball but it bounced agonisingly wide.

At the start of the second half Hanwell scored the only goal of the game.

Josh Oyinsan put the ball into the path of Jenson Wright who produced a superb finish past Ryan Clarke.

They almost made it two moments later but Babs Jarra was on hand to stamp out the chance.

With something to cling onto Hanwell shut up shop and frustrated Hungerford who looked like a team with 50 odd games in the legs.

There were some nearly moments for Hungerford as Matt Berry-Hargreaves produced a through ball that almost found Brad Hooper’s late run into the box and Elis Watts had a strike that deflected over.

Hungerford wrap up their campaign at home to Hungerfrd Town on Saturday (3pm).