FA Vase-winning defender Jarra believes Crusaders can go the distance in bid to return to the National League South
FA Vase-winning defender Babs Jarra says the current Hungerford Town squad is one of the best he’s ever been a part of.
The commanding centre-back returned to Bulpit Lane in November, making his debut in a comfortable win over Binfield in the Berks and Bucks Cup, and has been almost ever-present in Danny Robinson’s side since.
With the exception of an agonising penalty shootout defeat to National League South high-flyers Aveley in the FA Trophy, Jarra has yet to lose a game in his third spell with Town and has established himself as a leader at the heart of the Hungerford defence.
Jarra played the full 90 minutes as Hungerford made it 14 Southern Premier League South games unbeaten with a commanding 4-2 win over Dorchester on Saturday, backing up a positive festive period with an assured performance.
And Jarra – full of personality, warmth and passion for Hungerford – feels the weekend’s victory was yet another step in the right direction as his new side bid to make an instant return to the National League South.
“Saturday was a big one for us because it was important to follow up a good Christmas with another win,” he said.
“We got seven points from three games over the festive period but that would’ve meant nothing if we didn’t pick up three points on Saturday.
“The boys did what the boys have been doing for 14 games. We stamped our authority on the game and it was a pretty convincing performance from the lads.”
Since making his league debut when replacing the injured Rhys Tyler during the first half of the 2-1 win over Harrow Borough on November 25, Jarra has been a regular in Town’s back four and has re-established himself as a fan favourite with a succession of impressive performances.
The towering defender has in particular struck up a good partnership with Jack Wright, who was crowned December’s player-of-the-month – although Jarra feels he might have had to be more patient for a place alongside Wright had it not been for injuries to Rhys Tyler and Matt Berry-Hargreaves.
He said: “I got lucky, I don’t mind admitting that.
“I came on as a sub against Harrow after Rhys Tyler got injured and then the game after that Wrighty went away. When Wrighty came back, Bez (Matt Berry-Hargreaves) dislocated his shoulder.
“Wrighty and I have had to strike up a partnership and he is a fantastic defender, and so is Bez. Had none of the injuries happened, I’d have had to wait for my time because the two of them are exceptional players.
“I’m loving it. I know what a Danny Robinson team looks like, the vibe is good and the togetherness is great. We’ve all got the same goal, which is to get out of the league.”
One of Jarra’s most impressive qualities has been his leadership, with the defender making use of his experience to help Town to three clean sheets in seven league matches since his arrival.
“I think that’s one of the main reasons Danny wanted to bring me in,” he said.
“I relish the chance to be a leader. I don’t mind shouldering responsibility, as long as it helps the team.
“I like to try and be vocal and commanding, but none of those things mean anything if you’re not playing well and the first priority is always defending.”
Jarra, who has worked with manager Danny Robinson before at Thatcham, admitted the decision to link up with his old boss again at Hungerford was a no-brainer and feels his time in West Berkshire has helped him rediscover his love for football.
He said: “We’ve spoken in the past but the journey from Slough to Hungerford was one of the main reasons I didn’t do it sooner.
“I’d kind of lost some of my enjoyment for the game but, Danny being Danny, he’s helped me find that love for it again.
“As soon as he came calling this time, I didn’t even need to think about it. It’s Danny – I enjoy working with him and he’s a top, top, top manager – and I know Hungerford.
“Seeing the crop of players he’s got, I know this team can do something special. We’ve just got to go out there and prove it now.”
Hungerford’s recent form has propelled them into fifth in the league and the final play-off place, five points clear of nearest rivals Totton and 10 points behind league leaders Chesham.
And, while Jarra stresses the importance of Town keeping their feet on the ground, the defender admits the current Crusaders’ squad is one of the best he’s ever been involved in.
“The squad is unbelievable. Not just the XI, the entire group; even the guys that don’t make the matchday squad are fantastic players,” he said.
“It’s really strong. The togetherness is there and we all enjoy being around one another; when the changing room is good, more often than not it reflects in the performance on the pitch.
“This is the best, or at least one of the top two, squads that I’ve ever been a part of.
“The goal is to get out of the league. We’re happy to take on the pressure and to hopefully do it by the end of the season.
“It’s just about taking it game by game and ticking them all off, not getting too high or too low and listening to the management team. We know what we have to do and we’ll see where we are come crunch time.”
Hungerford welcome league leaders Chesham to Bulpit Lane in a mammoth game this weekend. Chesham won the reverse fixture 2-1 in Buckinghamshire, but three of their four defeats this season have come away from home – including a 4-0 drubbing against relegation-threatened Plymouth Parkway on December 16.
The Crusaders, meanwhile, are unbeaten at home all season and Jarra insists the players are relishing the prospect of a game with the title favourites.
He said: “Chesham are a good team and we’re full of respect for them, it’s a big game.
“Players look forward to big games; I don’t know any player that doesn’t look forward to big games and we’ll be really up for it.
“We’ve got a Berks and Bucks Cup game to get through in midweek but we’ll be spending time preparing.
“We’re full of confidence, especially at home, and hopefully we can get a big, big result.”
If Jarra can help inspire Hungerford to promotion this season then it’ll be the second time he’ll have shared in a memorable triumph alongside Robinson, having been part of the Thatcham side that won the FA Vase at Wembley in 2018.
“When it’s all said and done, those are the moments you remember,” he said.
“You look at the things you’ve achieved, the medals you’ve won, the teams you’ve played in and the players you’ve played with – those are the important things.
“I’ll never forget the day at Wembley. It was another special group of players and it was a special moment to play in the national stadium.
“It was incredible to go on and win it and we still talk about it now, I don’t think anyone involved in it will ever forget it.
“I just hope we’re celebrating again at the end of this season.”