Hungerford Town take a point after controlled performance at Winchester

Hungerford Town drew 2-2 away to Winchester City on Saturday, their third match against the Citizens this season.

Coach Stu Davis, covering for manager Danny Robinson, opted to start Matt Berry-Hargreaves at right-back in place of the injured Rhys Tyler.

Zidan Akers also came into the lineup, replacing Dawid Regula up front following the 3-1 win against Sholing a week prior.

As the game got underway it was the visiting Crusaders who made a flying start.

Skipper Louis McGrory’s corner in the second minute was met by centre-back Jack Wright, whose effort was cleared from the six yard box.

A whipped cross from Ramarni Medford-Smith also threatened just minutes later, with Akers unable to convert.

In the thirteenth minute there was a well earned opener, as a McGrory corner met the head of centre-back Baboucarr Jarra, who found the net with a flicked header into the far corner.

The Hungerford pressure continued, with Jacob Bancroft having a penalty shout dismissed before seeing an effort cleared off the line.

The 35th minute saw Hungerford rewarded for an excellent first half performance, as Elis Watts produced a moment of magic with a sensational backheel finish.

Bancroft and Akers had chances to add a third, but in the sixth minute of first half injury time it was the hosts who finally responded to halve the deficit at the break.

At 2-1, Hungerford knew they had to press home their advantage, but it was Winchester who made the next breakthrough.

A 62nd minute penalty was converted to level the scores at 2-2.

Regula arrived from the bench, but saw a late effort saved by goalkeeper Luke Cairney.

A McGrory free-kick was similarly saved by the former Hungerford keeper, who did enough between the sticks to see it end 2-2.

Forward Jacob Bancoft took home the Man of the Match award, following a hard working performance during which he provided a constant threat.

It was a performance worthy of all three points for Hungerford, with chances to put the game to bed being missed in the first half.

The result leaves them fourteenth in the 22 team Southern League.

There’s still everything to play for however, with just four points separating Hungerford from sixth place Dorchester Town, who themselves are just a point behind the top four.

This Saturday they travel to Havant & Waterlooville, before a trip to local rivals Basingstoke Town on Tuesday 22nd.