McGrory and Bancroft lead Hungerford to convincing FA Trophy win against Sholing

Hungerford Town are through to the next round of the FA Trophy after a win at home to Sholing on Saturday.

The third qualifying round clash marked a 50th Hungerford appearance for left-back Ramarni Medford-Smith, who made his thirteenth start of the campaign.

Louis McGrory wore the armband against the Southampton based side and soon took charge of the midfield.

After an uneventful opening half hour it was the skipper who came closest, as his in-swinging corner was missed by a flailing goalkeeper before striking the crossbar.

Elis Watts tested the keeper from a tight angle shortly afterwards, but it wasn't enough to break the deadlock as the sides went into the break at 0-0.

As the second half got underway, it was McGrory who stepped up.

As the ball fell to him on the edge of the box, the midfielder finished brilliantly to make it 1-0 and put the Crusaders in charge of the tie in the 50th minute.

Hungerford continued to apply pressure as Dawid Regula went close, shortly before striking the post.

The 67th minute saw Sholing get level, as former Southampton youngster Jake Flannigan clipped a dangerous ball into the box.

It was met by former Aldershot Town man Joe Rabbetts, who took advantage of a rebound from Ryan Clarke’s initial save.

Back on level terms, Hungerford began their search for a winner.

It didn’t take long, as Joe Shepherd burst forward to the byline and cut the ball back across the face of goal.

It was met by the foot of Jacob Bancroft, who found the net for his fourth goal of the season in all competitions to restore Hungerford’s lead.

Not content with a one goal lead, the Crusaders kept pressing forward, with Bancroft chasing down every ball in a hard working performance.

The 84th minute saw them rewarded for their efforts, as centre-back Jack Wright bagged his first goal of the season following a signature mazy run from Elis Watts.

3-1 is how it ended, with Hungerford having fought hard to earn their spot in the next round of the cup.

Watts took home man of the match for his efforts, while the win will have felt particularly meaningful to Hungerford assistant manager Stu Davis, who stood in for manager Danny Robinson.

Monday’s draw handed Hungerford another home tie in the next round, where they’ll face Yate Town on October 26th.

The Crusaders are back in league action this Saturday, as they visit Winchester City in a bid to avenge last month’s FA Cup defeat.