Robinson discusses trio of Hungerford reinforcements following New Year’s Day win

Hungerford Town manager Danny Robinson enjoyed a New Year’s Day win as his side took apart Swindon Supermarine last week.

Despite missing Kyle Tooze, Baboucarr Jarra and Brad Hooper, Hungerford welcomed Matt Berry-Hargreaves back to the defence and gave striker Anthony Dwyer a full debut.

It was teenage Forest Green loanee Jose Marquez who led the charge, scoring in the ninth minute with a powerful header following a Louis McGrory corner.

The Crusaders then came under pressure, with the hosts doing well to control possession on a rock solid pitch.

This pressure saw them get back on level terms before half-time, as Olly Mehew finished off a well worked team move.

The second half saw Hungerford get back on top of Swindon, and just before the hour-mark they were back in front.

Brazilian midfielder Alefe Santos gave the keeper no chance as he pounced on a loose ball to make it 2-1.

Two minutes later Dwyer got his second for the club with a clinical finish to put his side in total control.

Both he and Marquez hit the woodwork and it could have easily been far more, with Hungerford sealing a 3-1 win.

It was their first away league win since 26th March 2024, a 2-1 win at Poole Town, 289 days ago, perhaps a sign of the upheaval and change which the squad has since gone through.

“We started off really well, but Swindon were the better side after we scored,” said Robinson.

“In the second half we found another gear.

“It should have been five or six, so it was an excellent performance and one that was much needed.”

Robinson reflected on the gap between away wins by detailing the challenges which Hungerford have faced.

“There’s never been a plain sailing season,” he explained.

“There’s so many factors… people don’t see how much hard work it is to run a football club.

“It’s a shoestring budget, the club lives day to day, not year to year.”

Despite this, the club has seen the arrival of a number of reinforcements in the last few weeks.

The first, powerful centre-back Jordan Rose, arrived from Winchester City before Christmas.

The 35-year-old has 84 National League appearances to his name, having also spent time with Southampton, SM Caen and Bournemouth as a youngster.

“Experience, leadership, he’s a proper man, everything we require,” he said.

“He picked up an arm injury against Swindon, but he’s been everything I thought he would be.”

26-year-old attacking midfielder Hani Berchiche joined on Boxing Day, and almost opened his account a week later.

“He can play anywhere in midfield, a holder, an eight, a ten,” he said.

“Outstanding on the ball, I’ve seen him play a fair few times.

“He got in touch to say he was available, so it’s thanks to the club that we were able to do it.”

Striker Anthony Dwyer already has two goals to his name, and with a season in the National League North on his CV, looks to be a smart addition.

“He played with Louis McGrory at Telford, and Louis said he scored goals in a very poor side.

“He hadn’t even trained with us, but played two games… he’s been outstanding.”

Hungerford host Poole Town at Bulpit Lane on Saturday.