Hungerford Town manager Danny Robinson impressed with squad after comfortable win at Welling United

Hungerford Town manager believes his side got what they deserved after Saturday’s impressive 4-1 win away to Welling United in the National League South on Saturday.

It was the Crusaders’ first league game of the campaign and they secured the three points after a penalty from Ryan Seager and a hat-trick from Simo Mbonkwi.

It was a dominant performance from Town as they controlled the vast majority of the contest at the Park View Road stadium.

“Full credit to the lads, they executed the game plan and we got the three points so we now prepare ourselves for Tonbridge.

“You work so hard for seven long weeks in pre-season, but you will always have a bit of nerves and butterflies going into the first game of the season.”

Hungerford raced into an early two-goal lead, scoring twice from long throws, and had control and the quick start was something Robinson asked from his players.

“Any side that that I manage, I want a quick start because it’s important to get a foothold in the game, especially away from home.

“You have to be hard to beat first and foremost, but you have to try and hurt them whenever you can break and I feel we did that.

“It’s unlike a Robinson side that scores from set-pieces, but it’s one thing we have added to our bow so it’s not fluke, we have worked on that.”

Welling pulled a goal back, but they were reduced to 10 men when Ben Pearce was dismissed for bringing down Sol Wanjau-Smith in the penalty area and it resulted in Seager converting.

“Deep down it wasn’t a red card,” admitted Robinson. “It was a penalty, but only a yellow card and they were very unlucky and I said that to their manager.

“When it was 2-1 it was a bit tense, but credit to the lads because they showed character to get that third before half-time.”

The Crusaders boss also praised the star man Mbonkwi, who scored three goals on his competitive debut for the club.

“What can I say about Simo, he’ll drive me mad this year, but he’s a match winner.

“He was very good and it’s why we wanted to bring him to the football club.

“Luke Campion worked so hard to get him and the club did so much because we knew what we could have and it’s only just the start.

“Simo will be the first to first to say it, but everyone deserves a pat on the back because it was a team performance,” added Robinson.

Hungerford are running a deal for supporters wishing to attend Saturday's league game against Tonbridge Angels at Bulpit Lane.

The deal, which is called '4 for score' is available online and for £20, you can get your ticket, matchday programme, a meal deal and a drink.

Tickets have to be purchased in advance and the link is: https://hungerford.nationalleague.tv/events/hungerford-town-v-tonbridge-angles/