Hungerford enjoy Swindon Town test, as pre-season kicks off

Hungerford Town hosted League Two side Swindon Town on Tuesday night in their opening pre-season friendly.

The fixture saw 22 players used by Danny Robinson, as he looked to experiment with selection and give an even chance of match fitness to all members of his squad.

The first half was an encouraging one for the Crusaders, as they went in goalless at the break.

The second half saw Swindon take the game away from Hungerford however, with former Liverpool striker Paul Glatzel scoring before Anton Dworzak made it two.

A highly energetic display saw Hungerford start the campaign as they mean to go on, with intense pressing noticeable from both sides.

Robinson’s side will face Slimbridge FC away from home on Saturday as preparations continue.

Elsewhere, Tadley Calleva FC made the perfect start to pre-season with a 4-1 win over Thatcham Town at The Vyne School, Basingstoke on Saturday.

Star striker Kieran Rodgers made his presence felt with a brace, putting Calleva in the drivers seat.

After 25 goals in 43 appearances last season, Rodgers is looking to break the 30 goal mark and started as he means to go on.

The clash also saw a goal for young winger Alex Miller, Tadley’s Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season, who made the perfect start to pre-season.

The early encounter gave both sides what they needed, a challenge against a similarly ambitious side and a chance to build fitness.

Calleva also had a fixture on Tuesday night, beating Thames Valley Premier League champions Westwood Wanderers 3-1, with Rodgers scoring a hat-trick.

Thatcham Town also played on Tuesday, travelling to Marlow FC where they lost 4-2, with former Hungerford striker Dave Tarpey scoring a hat-trick.