Crusaders won't give up on survival despite disappointing Easter weekend

Hungerford Town boss Danny Robinson feels the Crusaders still have a “puncher’s chance” of National League South survival despite a disappointing Easter weekend.

Robinson’s side lost 2-0 at Hampton and Richmond Borough on Good Friday and then were made to settle for a point at home to Havant and Waterlooville on Easter Monday.

Jake Evans cancelled out Danny Wright's opener before Rhys Tyler hit the crossbar and Ryan Jones missed from close range in added time at a wind-swept Bulpit Lane.

Hungerford slipped to seven points from safety but still have two games in hand on the sides above them and Robinson remains optimistic about their survival prospects.

"It was a hard-earned point in the worst footballing conditions you could have," he said.

"I thought to a man we were very, very good but it's just that putting the ball in the back of the net.

"The attitude and commitment of the players is always fantastic, I couldn't be prouder.

"That determination and desire is going to stand us in good stead."

Since the return of versatile left-sided defender Curtis Angell, Robinson has moved full-back Ryan Jones further forward to good effect.

Jones set-up Evans' equaliser but was distraught after missing a gilt-edged chance to win it with almost the last kick of the game.

Robinson was full of praise for the impressive Bristol Rovers loanee, who has been arguably Hungerford's standout player this term.

He said: "Ryan's going to go on to bigger and better things, he's been absolutely outstanding since he's walked in.

"I think he could go as high as he wants to.

"He's hurting in there, he knows what a chance it was but I'm not going to sit here and lambast a kid that's come here on loan.

"He's lived and breathed Hungerford Town and we're all very proud of him.

"He walked in a boy and I think he'll definitely be leaving a man."

Robinson had to once again go in a panicked search for a goalkeeper last week after Jed Ward was suddenly recalled by parent club Bristol Rovers.

Hungerford welcomed Yeovil Town stopper Max Evans to Bulpit Lane and the 20-year-old was straight into the side for the weekend.

"I've never known anything like it," Robinson said.

"We've had no luck, we've had 11 goalkeepers, injuries at vital times and we lost our club captain – I think I was due a tough season."

The Crusaders lost ground in the fight for survival but still have to take on a number of the teams around them and Robinson's confident his side still have what it takes to secure their league status.

"We've got a puncher's chance," he said.

"I think if we'd had this group of players since the start of the season we'd be nowhere near where we are now.

"We're right in the fight."