Defeat, and back-to-back ones at that are something that Hungerford Town fans and manager Danny Robinson have become unaccustomed to since the FA Vase winning boss arrived at Bulpit Lane.
But a tough 10-day spell for the Crusaders that began on the 8th January with a 2-1 defeat at Tonbridge Angels followed up by a 5-2 defeat at Eastbourne Borough, both in the Vanarama National League South before a 2-1 defeat to Chesham United on the 18th in the Berks & Bucks FA County Cup, certainly tested the manager.
Robinson’s side though put things right on Saturday, defeating Chelmsford City 2-1 at home in the league and had a debutant youngster in goal to thank in part for the return to winning ways.
Matty Crowther came into the starting line-up to replace regular number one and arch-villain to National League South crowds Luke Cairney after he was sent off for handball in the Eastbourne game.
In that tie, Cairney was replaced by outfielder Matt Jones but for the Chelmsford game, Robinson turned to Crowther who joined the club in the summer and saw his decision on the youngster the teams man-of-the-match award.
Speaking to Football in Berkshire, Robinson said: “Matt had a solid game for us and stepped in admirably for Luke. He’s a cracking kid and will definitely become a very good goalkeeper in time.
“His willingness to learn off our goalkeeper coach Ian Hobbs is fantastic and he won’t have a better role model than Luke Cairney to learn from who in my eyes is the best goalkeeper in the league.
“Really very proud of young Matt and I am and sure he will remember his National League South debut for the rest of his life.”
