Robinson discusses Hungerford Town injuries, new arrivals and financial realities
Hungerford Town fell to defeat away at Dorchester Town on Saturday.
The clash saw fan-favourite striker Kyle Tooze make his first appearance since re-signing for the club.
He recently left neighbouring Thatcham Town, and made an instant impact for the Crusaders, starting up front.
Hungerford almost opened the scoring in the seventeenth minute, as Brad Hooper’s shot beat the keeper.
The ball had struck Tooze on the way through however, who was in an offside position.
Ten minutes later it was Dorchester who opened the scoring.
Captain Rhys Tyler lost possession in the corner, allowing the hosts to drive into the box and beat Ryan Clarke for 1-0.
It took just three minutes for Hungerford to reply, as a rejuvenated Elis Watts was fouled for a penalty.
A late challenge meant a red card for Dorchester, while Louis McGrory made no mistake for 1-1.
Two minutes later the game had turned on its head, as Tooze played in Alefe Santos who produced an excellent finessed shot to find the net.
A half time Hungerford lead looked to have inspired Dorchester, who came out to make amends in the second half.
A shot from range beat Clarke after five minutes for 2-2, with the hosts taking control of the match.
They led again in the 78th minute, with Olaf Koszela converting a free header at the far post.
He had his second in the 82nd minute to make the game 4-2 and wrap things up.
“In the second half they out ran, out jumped, out fought us,” reflected manager Danny Robinson.
“We played really well first half, and at half time we said the next goal was key, regardless of them being a man down.
“It was individual errors for pretty much all four goals.
“As soon as the equaliser went in you saw us die unfortunately.
“It was a harrowing watch in the last 20 minutes.”
Robinson provided updates on James Harding and Zidan Akers, both of whom left the club at the end of November.
“Zidan wanted to be a regular fixture and play football,” he explained.
“We couldn’t offer him that, and it was his choice to move on.
“He’s a top, top player.
“James Harding is now working every other weekend, so unfortunately couldn’t commit to it.”
The arrival of Tooze is set to make up for those losses, with an assist on his debut likely a sign of things to come.
“I’ve known Kyle for a long time,” Robinson said.
“I had him at Thatcham, where he probably played his best football.
“I had him at Hungerford too, he’s experienced, hard working, that’s what we need at the minute.
“He’s robust, he can put the ball in the back of the net.
“He’s travelling all the way down from Birmingham to play for us, so we’re delighted to have him on board.”
Injuries have proved challenging for Hungerford this season, and financial realities have made replacements and upgrades tricky.
“Jacob Bancroft is probably two or three weeks away with a broken foot.
“Conor McDonagh, you won’t see again this season with his ACL.
“He’s been a huge miss, over thirty goals last season, we haven’t recovered from losing him.
“Elis Watts is just back from a hamstring injury, he’s been out for five weeks really.
“Those two scored over 40 goals between them last year.
“It’s been tough to try and replace that.
“There’s been various meetings behind the scenes, unfortunately we haven't got the riches that other clubs have.
“Sholing brought in two seasoned pros at National League level this week, we can’t afford to do it.
“We can’t live beyond our means. We are where we are unless someone comes and helps us out.
“We have to find the gems.
“But a challenge is a challenge. You either take it head on, or you worry about it.
