Danny Robinson reflects on lessons from rollercoaster Hungerford Town season
Hungerford Town manager Danny Robinson has reflected on a rollercoaster season for his side.
The Crusaders wrapped up their campaign with a 2-1 loss at home to play-off bound Dorchester.
Curtis Angell popped up with a goal to open the scoring, sending Hungerford in front after 36 minutes.
The visitors struck back though through a 65th minute penalty and a winner in the fifth minute of added time.
“We almost got there,” said Robinson.
“We had one more set piece to defend, but we let their best header of a ball get above us in the six yard box.
“It was disappointing, but overall it’s not about the last day of the season.”
Alex Braidwood received a full senior debut in goal and looked more than comfortable.
He was the latest member of Hungerford’s title winning U23s to receive a first team bow.
“It brought a lump to my throat,” he said.
“I saw his dad hug him and say how proud of him he was.
“That echoes through the whole club.
“The U23s have been the bedrock of the club this year, we have to grow our own.
“He’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
The result leaves Hungerford seventh in the final standings, sixteen points away from the final play-off spot.
In truth however, this is still a remarkable finish for Hungerford.
Going into the festive period Robinson’s side were staring down the barrel of a relegation battle.
A mini rebuild in January saw a series of new faces arrive at Bulpit Lane, as Hungerford went ten league games unbeaten from New Year’s Day onwards.
Robinson credits the team’s togetherness and work ethic when discussing their mid-season turnaround.
“Individuals, as much as they can be match winners, don’t get you where you need to be,” he reflected.
“Hard work, teamwork and togetherness is far more important, and outweighs any individual.
“Certain people went out of the squad at Christmas who were better footballers than those who replaced them.
“But Jordan Rose, Curtis Angell, Kyle Tooze, Rafa Ramos, they bought into what Hungerford is.
“They made a huge difference.
“I’ve learned not to go down that route.
“I need to make sure signings fit into what we already have.”
Hungerford also switched to a more robust shape, deploying a 5-3-2 formation since January.
Robinson credits his assistant, Stuart Davis, with this contribution.
“We changed the system, probably begrudgingly on my part,” he said.
“It was Stu who suggested going back to what brought us joy in the National League South.
“He has to take full credit for that. I’m a stubborn git to work with sometimes.
“We’re going to stick by it, that won’t be changing.”