The Vanarama National League South’s West Berkshire derby ended all square after a late George Smith equaliser ensure a point apiece for Hungerford Town and Slough Town at Bulpit Lane.
Smith, on loan at neighbours Thatcham Town last season, came through with the equaliser in injury time after Slough’s Tom Derry had broken the deadlock on 68 minutes with a relieved Crusaders boss Danny Robinson saying “that’s not great for the heart!”
The result was a big one for Slough and their travelling fans in spite of the late disappointment after taking the lead. Joint-manager Jon Underwood had labelled the previous week’s performance ‘inexcusable’ following defeat in the FA Cup to Whitehawk, two divisions below the Rebels.
Writing on social media after the game, Underwood said: “Felt like we had our team back today. So disappointing that we couldn’t take all three points but proud of the players’ reaction after last week and so many positives to take from that performance. Fans in great voice too.”
Slough’s next competitive action is on the 9th October at home to Ebbsfleet United while Hungerford face Cirencester Town at home in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round on 2nd October.
Maidenhead United vs Grimsby Town
Talking of late revellers, Kane Ferdinand was the hero for Maidenhead United with seven minutes remaining of their home tie with Grimsby Town, watched by an impressive 1,976 supporters at York Road.
The Mariners had taken a 73rd-minute lead through Portuguese midfielder Erico Sousa but a pinpoint cross from the returning Shaun Donnellan found Ferdinand unmarked in the box to head home with seven minutes remaining.
The point was much needed at York Road after a run of four defeats since the Magpies won their first two games of the season, and follows the narrow 1-0 defeat at Notts County last weekend.
