Hungerford suffer setback in play-off push

Hungerford Town were beaten at home by Mangotsfield United on Saturday

Hungerford Town 0 Mangotsfield Utd 1

A SINGLE early goal was enough to give Mangotsfield a big play-off boost while severely damaging Hungerford's hopes.

Hungerford have now netted only once – from the penalty spot – in four games and have also released the player who was supposed to end that problem with Mitchell Bryant shipping out to Swindon Supermarine.

They spent 84 minutes attempting to recover a sixth minute goal that won it for the visitors. Matt Groves got away down the right and his cross was powered home by Karin Rendall from inside the six yard box.

Ryan Crockford and Chris Blackford had efforts on goal but Kieron Drake had to make three first half stops to keep Mangotsfield at bay and Hungerford enjoyed no more fortune in a quiet second period.

Ben McCready had a shot blocked but Jamie Leacock had to clear off the line from Rendall as Mangotsfield survived comfortably enough to leave Hungerford off the promotion pace.

They will be looking to rediscover their lost goals touch when they entertain Didcot Town in the quarter-finals of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

Thatcham Town's game at Cinderford Town was postponed by the match referee after Thatcham had travelled to the Forest of Dean ground.