Hungerford face play-off challenges

Still clinging on to last promotion slot, but it's a crucial time at Bulpit Lane

HUNGERFORD'S promotion quest faces two massive challenges as they take on the league's top pair in successive weeks.

They face second-placed Sholing at Bulpit Lane on Saturday and then go to flyaway leaders AFC Totton the fololowing week with a squad severely hit by injuries recently.

Chris Blackford and Anthony Alleyne joined the sidelined list this week and manager Bobby Wilkinson may look to Reading to offer some on-loan cover as they bid to hold onto the last play-off place.

“We have to win on Saturday or we'll be out of the play-off zone,” he said, “because I think Almondsbury will win.”

Hungerford have had a welcome week off in the wake of their defeat at Thatcham, giving Jemel Johnson and Richard Bland extra time to shake off long-standing knocks, but Diak John, Scott Davis and Luke Brewer all remain on the sidelines.