Ward's heroics in vain for Hungerford

Jed Ward saved two penalties but was powerless to prevent his Hungerford Town side from slipping to a third National League South defeat in four at the hands of Farnborough on New Year's Day.

Hungerford had taken the lead in the first half through George Smith but goals from Hisham Kasimu and Mason Bloomfield turned the game on its head as the Crusaders sank to a 16th league defeat of the season.

The two sides drew 1-1 on Boxing Day and there was more than enough in that game to suggest Hungerford would arrive at the 7,000 capacity Easy As HGV stadium for the reverse fixture full of confidence, despite their status as the league's bottom side.

Farnborough dominated the opening exchanges of the match, which was contested as the inaugural Ted Pearce Memorial Cup in honour of Boro's former manager who passed away last month, but the Crusaders held firm as both Selim Saied and Oliver Pendlebury missed chances.

Hungerford then had a chance of their own in the 19th minute when Jake Evans' delicious free-kick found the head of his midfield partner George Smith, who beat Jack Turner in the Farnborough goal to hand the visitors a 1-0 lead.

As was the case at Bulpit Lane, the diminutive Pendlebury was at the heart of the action and went close again in the 33rd minute but the 20-year-old's shot was cleared off the line.

The hosts equalised just before half time when the prolific Hisham Kasimu, who was also on target on Boxing Day, made it two goals in two games against the Crusaders as he popped up in the box to poke home a leveller before the break.

Farnborough had a chance to take the lead after half time when the referee pointed to the spot following a handball, but Bristol Rovers loanee Ward saved Kasimu's penalty to keep the Crusaders on terms.

However the home side were ahead in the 59th when Mason Bloomfield, who only signed for Boro on New Year's Eve, marked his debut with a goal, slotting home from close range to make it 2-1.

Hungerford went close to an equaliser when Dan Roberts' shot was well-saved by the outstretched foot of Turner before Ward saved a second spot kick late on, this time spectacularly denying Pendlebury from 12 yards.

The Crusaders were unable to find a late leveller and slip further into trouble at the foot of the table – now 10 points from safety – ahead of the visit of Dover on Saturday.