Hungerford earn draw, as George Smith makes return from 18-month injury

Danny Robinson believes Hungerford Town should have got more against Tiverton on Saturday.

The Crusaders drew 1-1 with their Devon-based visitors, for whom Rob Dray was taking his first game in charge.

Dawid Regula, Louie Paget and Brad Hooper returned to the starting eleven, while midfielder George Smith was on the bench following his ACL injury which cost him eighteen months of his career.

It was an action packed start to the match, as Regula saw a half-chance head just over the bar before full-back Rhys Tyler had an effort saved at the near post.

At the other end, Hungerford goalkeeper Ryan Clarke had to soar across his goal to stop a Tiverton header at the far post.

In the 21st minute Hungerford’s hard work paid off.

Regula was fouled in the box, with Louis McGrory converting the penalty for his fourth goal of the season in all competitions.

Hungerford had chances to add to their lead, but a gilt-edged headed chance for Baboucarr Jarra wouldn’t go in, after Tyler forced another save.

With Tiverton growing into the game, half time arrived with the hosts a goal to the good.

The second half saw more chances to put the game to bed, but Hungerford’s forwards failed to capitalise.

In the 77th minute Tiverton made them pay, as they converted a free header in the box to make it 1-1.

Late substitutions couldn’t revitalise Hungerford, as they saw out their fifth draw from their last six league games, leaving them 17th of 22 teams.

“I thought the first half was fifty fifty,” manager Danny Robinson said.

“We got our noses in front and Babz missed an absolute sitter to make it 2-0.

“We would have deserved that.

“But Tiverton got back into it. Some great defending from Babz and a great save from Clarkey kept us in it.

“They were better than us in the second half, but we still had chances.

“It was a better performance than we produced against Yate. The right result.”

George Smith returned to action following over 18 months out with a misdiagnosed ACL injury, while fellow midfielder Brandon Smith, recently signed from Marlow, also made an appearance.

“Brandon can play slightly higher, while George is a lot more defensive,” he said.

“Brandon isn’t quite match fit, but he’s definitely going to feature more and more.

“They both did really well when they came on, it was massive to have George back.

“The lad bleeds black and white for Hungerford Town.

“To see him on the pitch again was a massive lift for the lads and the club.

“Ever since I’ve been at the club he’s been an absolute diamond.”