Second half strike from Welsh winger Watts helps Hungerford preserve unbeaten home record with hard-fought point against high-flying Merthyr

A second half strike from Welsh winger Elis Watts secured a hard-fought point for Hungerford Town as the Crusaders preserved their unbeaten record at home with a 1-1 draw against high-flying Merthyr Town.

Town had to battle hard against an impressive Merthyr side, who arrived at Bulpit Lane in second in the Southern Premier League South and on a run of six wins in a row.

Hungerford, who were unchanged from the Boxing Day draw with Didcot, went close after 27 minutes when Conor McDonagh’s effort was curled round the post by former Bath City goalkeeper Will Fuller.

However the visitors took the lead on the stroke of half time when Keiran Evans slid in Ricardo Rees and the 24-year-old finished with aplomb to make it 1-0.

The Crusaders responded well to going behind and drew level eight minutes into the second half when Elis Watts continued his excellent campaign with a clinical finish.

The hosts pressed for a winner and Watts forced a fine save from Fuller – who kept Town’s number one Ryan Clarke out of the Bath City side last term – in the 68th minute.

Neither side managed to produce a winning moment with the rain pouring down in West Berkshire as Hungerford extended their unbeaten record at Bulpit Lane to 12 league matches.

And Town boss Danny Robinson admitted he was satisfied with a point against one of the promotion favourites.

“It was a game of two halves,” he told the club website’s Martyn Leach.

“I thought Merthyr started off brilliantly but we grew into the game and Conor had that chance that forced a great save from their goalie.

“Leading up to their goal I thought Merthyr were excellent. I haven’t seen a team come here and pass the ball and move the ball like they did and they deserved their lead.

“We had to make a couple of tweaks at half time and I thought in the second half we were fabulous. If it wasn’t for Will Fuller in goal I thought we could’ve got all three points.

“I’m pleased. We’ve picked up seven points over the busy festive period and I’m delighted.”

Hungerford, who are fifth and occupying the final play-off place, travel to third from bottom Dorchester Town, who haven’t won at home since November, on Saturday.