Key game for Hungerford in play-off race

Hungerford host Almondsbury Town on Saturday - a team they trail by five points with two games in hand

HUNGERFORD TOWN take on Almondsbury Town at Bulpit Lane on Saturday in a game that now assumes key importance in the Zamaretto League Division One South and West play-off race.

Hungerford hauled themselves back into contention with away wins over Paulton Rovers and Wimborne Town this week, and they now trail Almondsbury - who beat Paulton 2-0 at home on Wednesday night - by five points with two games in hand.

“The boys have really risen to the challenge,” said manager Bobby Wilkinson. “They have given us a chance of getting right back in the mix now. They have been special.”

Sixteen-year-old Reading academy goalkeeper Jonathan Henly has joined the squad on loan and Wilkinson has also fielded youngsters Gareth Brown, Tom Browne and Matt Pedder in recent games with Kieron Drake, Adam Wallace, Simon Herbert and Tom Fila all sidelined by injury, a list that was joined this week by Matt Day and Diak John who face races to be fit for Saturday's game and Tuesday night's visit of Cinderford Town.