Robinson praises performance, as Hungerford draw away to Poole

Hungerford Town made it seven draws from their last eight games, despite a dominant performance away at Poole on Saturday.

The Crusaders were without midfielder Joe Shepherd, winger Elis Watts and forward Jacob Bancroft on the day, while Ramarni Medford Smith came in at left-back and Brandon Curtis earned a start in central midfield.

Things were complicated when captain Rhys Tyler pulled up in the warm up, meaning that Louie Paget had to fill in at right-back, despite not having initially been in the squad.

None of this seemed to limit Hungerford however, as they dominated the match almost entirely.

Dawid Regula tested the Poole keeper after just two minutes, forcing the goalie to punt the ball out of play in a moment which set the tone.

Regula was in again within a few minutes, marginally judged to be offside.

Paget headed a chance just over, before Regula saw a shot pushed round the post on the half hour mark.

He then headed another chance straight at the keeper, and hit a close range shot into the face of the onrushing goalie.

At half-time, Hungerford were wondering what more they needed to do.

The second half did not provide the answer, as their dominance continued but no goal came.

Regula headed over an Alefe Santos chance from within six yards, before Paget again saw two shots saved on the hour mark.

Adulai Sambu arrived from the bench and made an impact, instantly seeing a shot blocked from six yards.

The pressure continued, but the game fizzled out as a 0-0 draw, while Medford-Smith saw red via a second yellow.

“We were the better side, the only thing missing was the goal,” said manager Danny Robinson.

“We had some glaring opportunities, a one on one and header from inside the six yard box.

“It just wouldn't go in!

“But I was really really pleased with the performance, just not with the result, we deserved all three.

Adulai Sambu seems to have caught up with his fitness, and could prove to be a difference maker for Hungerford in weeks to come.

“He is catching up, one hundred percent,” he said.

“In his first game back for us he got concussed, but he’s an asset, a top player.

“Fingers crossed that by the weekend we’ll finally get Elis Watts back.

“So the squad’s looking strong and looking healthier.

“We’ll move on to Sholing at pretty much full strength.”

Louis McGrory was the club’s Player of the Month for October, and has proven a reliable figure with nineteen starts in all competitions this season, bested only by goalkeeper Ryan Clarke with 21.

“He’s been immense,” said Robinson.

“I make no bones about it, he’s one of my all time favourite players to work with.

“It’s been a privilege to be his manager.

“He’s been outstanding, even better since he’s come back.

“We’re very lucky to have someone like Louis McGrory.”