Frankie goes to Hungerford

Royals youngster Raymond joins on loan to fill a gap at the start of a testing week

HUNGERFORD TOWN have signed Reading's Frankie Raymond on loan as they face three of their major rivals in the space of seven days in Division One South and West of the Evo Stik League South.

The 18-year old Raymond goes straight into the squad for Saturday's visit of Bideford to Bulpit Lane following a knee injury to skipper Matt Day and the knocks that keep left backs Chris Blackford and Matt Jack out of action.

Raymond has already enjoyed an impressive month at Eastleigh this term, and joins Hungerford for a similar stint, which will include the Tuesday night visit of Sholing and a trip to North Leigh on Saturday week.

"I asked for him but didn't think they would agree," said manager Bobby Wilkinson. "But Reading have come through for us again, otherwise we would not have had a left back this week.

"It's a crunch week for us," he added. "Our toughest seven days of the season so far.

THATCHAM TOWN lie second to Hungerford in the table and face Taunton Town at Waterside Park on Saturday.

They will be without midfielder Shane Kingston, who scored Thatcham's goal in a 2-1 midweek defeat at Chalfont St Peter that knocked them out of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup.

Kingston is attending a wedding - that of the Taunton skipper - and the visitors will be without a couple of players as a result.

Marc Green and Sam Flegg missed the cup tie but return, and manager Gary Ackling will also recall Sean Cook and Tom Melledew, who were rested on the bench on Tuesday night.

NEWBURY are without a game, but LAMBOURN SPORTS entertain Highmoor Ibis in the Hellenic League's Bluefin Insurance League Cup.

Manager Robbie Clark hope sot unveil new singing form Fairford Town James Keller and winger Terry Wood returns after injury. But recent signing Matt Pedder misses the tie through suspension.