Robinson happy with effort, as Hungerford fight for point at Havant
Hungerford Town battled to a well-earned point away to Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday.
One of the division’s most dangerous sides, Havant’s squad boasted three former Hungerford players in Alfie Whittingham, Harvey Bradbury and deadly striker Ryan Seager.
This challenge was made all the more difficult due to selection issues for the visitors, with Danny Robinson returning from his short break to find Elis Watts, Louis McGrory and Ramarni Medford-Smith all unavailable.
This didn’t seem to stop Hungerford however, as they began to put together a defiant defensive display right from the kick-off.
The Crusaders began to probe the Havant defence too, with Jacob Bancroft’s good pressing fashioning a chance for Dawid Regula, who was held up in the box, although no foul was given.
The fifteen minute mark saw Hungerford’s Brazilian midfielder Alefe Santos grow into the game, curling an excellent through ball down the right-hand side before whipping a dangerous free-kick through a crowded Havant penalty area.
Another perfectly timed pass from Santos saw Regula put clean through on goal, but the striker appeared to slip on the wet 4G pitch at just the wrong moment.
He came agonisingly close once again just minutes later, having a shot cleared off the line following some excellent work from himself and Bancroft.
As the second half began at 0-0, momentum began to shift somewhat.
Returning captain Rhys Tyler survived a momentary injury scare, before fellow defenders Matt Berry-Hargreaves and Baboucarr Jarra cleared a Havant shot off the line.
Goalkeeper Ryan Clarke made a contender for save of the season on the hour mark, denying Whittingham.
Whittingham then missed perhaps the hosts’ best chance of the game with fifteen to go, as Bradbury entered the fray.
However, 0-0 is how it ended, with a hard working performance enough to earn a point, which has become a rarity for Hungerford in recent visits to Havant.
“Off the ball we were outstanding,” Robinson reflected.
“That’s something we’ve not been very good at this year, but the work rate and desire was fantastic.
“And we could have nicked it. Clarkey pulled off one of the best saves I’ve ever seen live.
“In the first half we had one cleared off the line, there was a shot in the box which was going in and got deflected just wide.
“We had two one on ones, so it was a very good away performance.
“The one thing that was missing is obviously the goal, but it’s a tough place to go to.
“I think that’s the first ever point Hungerford has won away at Havant, so we’re very pleased with that.”
The trip South saw Hungerford reunited with former striker Ryan Seager, who scored 41 goals in 59 games for the club between 2020 and 2022.
“After the game we had a good chat and a catch up,” Robinson said.
“He was an absolutely fantastic player for me, he’s top drawer.
“Without a shadow of a doubt one of the best players in the league.
“So it was good to see him, but I’m glad we snuffed him out!”
The Havant clash marked a return to the dugout for Robinson following a brief period away, with the Hungerford gaffer glad to be back.
“Stu Davis took the helm and did brilliantly well,” Robinson acknowledged.
“I don’t make a massive habit of going away at all.
“Stu phoned me after the games and I have the recordings, so I still saw everything.
“I don’t think we’ve been brilliant, but we’re slowly getting there.
“We missed five first team players on Saturday, which makes the point even more hard earned/
“But we pretty much have a full complement now.
“George Smith should be back for Saturday too.”
There’s a new face at Bulpit Lane too, as Brandon Curtis arrived from Marlow this week.
“He’s a tough tackling, box to box central midfielder,” Robinson said.
“He’s full of energy, has an eye for goal and does score worldies!
“We’re excited to have him. He’s a player we’ve admired for a long time.
“He’s a great character as well, which is what I really love about him.”
Following the game it was announced that full-back Jack Stanley had left the club to pursue challenges elsewhere.
Hungerford’s next league fixture is at home against Tiverton Town on Saturday November 2nd.