Robinson delighted with clinical Watts, as Hungerford get back on track

Hungerford Town manager Danny Robinson is pleased with his side’s start to the season.

Following a well managed pre-season, a 4-1 opening day defeat to Chertsey Town was something of a rude introduction back to competitive football.

A late Elis Watts penalty was nothing more than a consolation in a game which Robinson admits was “a bad day at the office”.

Last Tuesday presented a chance to put that right, which the Crusaders took with both hands.

A five-two demolition of Gosport Borough at home reassured fans and players alike, in a convincing performance which left Robinson delighted.

“We were excellent, ruthless”, he said.

“Every time that we had an opportunity to put a ball in the back of the net, we did, which was very pleasing.

“It was probably a bit more of a footballing performance.”

That was followed up with another win, as Town defeated Taunton 1-0 on Saturday thanks to an Elis Watts strike.

“They never really hurt us”, the Hungerford boss reflected.

“You know, we dealt with everything that they slung at us.

“Long balls all the time, long throw-ins from pretty much their own half, which we dealt with brilliantly.

“I think on the balance of play we probably deserved it.

Robinson was full of praise for Watts, who has scored three in three to start the campaign after rejecting multiple offers from elsewhere this summer.

“He’s a terrific player”, he said.

“I feel this season is probably a lot more important to him.

“After last year, he needs to show consistency and do it again.

“And obviously he's hit the ground running.

“Especially on Tuesday night, he was absolutely fantastic.

“He's a pleasure to work with every other day.

“He will go on to bigger and better things eventually, but at the minute you can enjoy him.”

One factor behind this quick turnaround in form has been the midfield selection, with Robinson opting for a more balanced trio in the middle for the last two games.

“The midfield in the first game was probably over creating at times.

“Joe Shepherd, Brad Hooper, they cover the ground, they win tackles, they win headers. The balance is massively important.”

Robinson also confirmed that star striker Conor McDonagh is likely ruled out for the rest of the season, having undergone surgery on his Anterior Cruciate Ligament in the last week.

“He's a massive character”, he said.

“Obviously, we will get around him, look after him, as best as we can.

“We’ve got James Harding, Zidan Akers can play through the middle, but we’ll be looking to bring in one more option for competition.

“Fingers crossed, we can find one.”