Crusaders slip to second friendly defeat

Plenty of positives from defeat at the hands of Hemel Hempstead

HUNGERFORD Town slipped to a 2-0 friendly defeat at the hands of Conference South side Hemel Hempstead Town at Faraday Road last night.

Manager Bobby Wilkinson took the chance to run the rule over 20 players in a match that consisted of one 45-minute half and two 30-minute periods.

And although the Crusaders carved out more chances than their higher-ranked opponents, they paid the price for not taking them.

Slack marking from a Matt Spring corner allowed Ollie Hawkins to head Hemel into a 14th-minute lead, but it was not until five minutes from time that Wilfried Gnahore slotted home the second to kill off Hungerford's hopes.

Thatcham Town were also in pre-season action last night, winning 3-1 at Thames Valley Premier League side Mortimer.

Marcus Mealing, who scored five goals on his debut in the 9-0 thumping of Locks Heath on Saturday, was again on target, along with Bradley Shaw and Adam Morris