Hungerford Town shock Southern League leaders Walton & Hersham

Walton & Hersham’s title bid in the Southern League Premier Division South has been rocked by Berkshire sides in recent weeks, with Hungerford Town inflicting defeat on the Surrey table-toppers.

Danny Robinson’s side – as we reported last week – dropped into the relegation zone after a 3-1 defeat at Poole Town but took advantage of the Swans poor form to haul themselves back out seven days later.

Walton have won only one of their last five Southern League matches including a 1-1 draw with Bracknell Town, the only win against title-challengers suggesting they aren’t taking mid-table and below teams seriously.

That won’t matter to Crusaders fans who welcomed a late winner from substitute Andrio Brandao in the 98th minute of a 1-0 win, in only his fourth game for the club this season.

The win will be all the sweeter given, as Hungerford’s match report states moments earlier: “Ty Duffus produced a heroic goal‑line header to keep Hungerford alive.”

Robinson’s side have undergone a number of budget-influenced changes in recent weeks. A post by the club on 9th February said they had been ‘blown away’ by the response to the club’s statement: “So many of you have reached out with offers of support and requests to donate, and it truly shows what a special community we have around Hungerford Town FC.

“To make things easier, we’ve now set up a dedicated page for anyone who wishes to contribute towards safeguarding the future of the club.”

Brandao himself joined the club in January from Uxbridge. The pacey forward was coveted by boss Robinson who said: “Having seen Andrio play for Uxbridge last season and Ascot United on dual registration this season he has always been a player that I feel would add quality to our group. He quick, direct and chops in with some goals too. An exciting signing for us for sure!”

Looking ahead to Saturday, a crucial ‘six pointer’ for Hungerford against strugglers Taunton Town and the opportunity to increase the gap between them and the dotted relegation line to five points.

Around the grounds

Binfield are also out of the Isthmian League South Central Division One relegation zone following a 3-1 win at bottom side Fareham Town. The Moles trio of goalscorers included Lamin Ceesay, Owen Smith and Kickie Dzimba. The win puts them a point above Berkshire neighbours Ascot United who lost 2-1 at home to AFC Porchester.

Winchester City were relegated from the Southern League Premier Division South last season with 46 points, Bracknell Town’s 3-0 win over Yate Town means they are now just five short of that total. Jordan Esprit scored twice in the second half either side of Jahiem Dotse’s 86th minute strike.

At the top of the Combined Counties League Premier Division North, Burnham and Windsor & Eton played out a 1-1 draw – the Royalists still have nine games in hand over the Blues who currently lead the table.

At the other end, Holyport’s battle to stay in the division suffered a blow with a 3-1 defeat at home to British Airways while Wokingham Town look safe despite a 1-0 defeat at home to Kidlington.

A rare defeat for Woodley United on Saturday saw the Kestrels beaten 4-3 at Staines & Lammas. Jude Van Spall, Dontae Hamblin and Harvey Collins were among the goals but Staines Michael Goddard got the winner on 83 minutes. Jordan Blake’s side look every bit the play-off side though with position and games in hand, and are only six points off leaders Brook House. Sandhurst Town eased their relegation concerns with a 1-0 win at PFC Victoria London but Landley were beaten 4-1 at Bedfont.