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Thursday, October 29, 2020 48

Newbury Weekly News

ReadTim Dellor’s Royals

column PAGE47 Robinson’s pride in defeat

DANNYRobinsonheaped praise on his Hungerford Town side – despite seeing their winning start to the National League South season come to an end on Saturday. Crusaders looked to be on course for their fourth straight league win as they led 2-1 at half-time at Ebbsfleet, who were reduced to 10 men in first- half stoppage time. But Ebbsfleet, who were relegated from the National League last season on a points-per-game basis, powered back to clinch a 3-2 victory. Robinson said: “It was brilliant performance against one of the best teams I have seen in non-league foot- ball. “I am proud of every single one of my players – they went to war there and ran themselves into the ground. “As clubs, we are worlds apart. “We are part-time so on Monday mornings my players wake up and go to work as accountantsor on the scaf- folds, while Ebbsfleet, who are full- time, will probably have a nice recov- ery session. “The way Ebbsfleet passed the ball, even when they were down to 10 men, was amazing. “After the game I was probably more upbeat than the players. “They were gutted that they had lost the game and that is testament to the character in the side. “We are heading in the right direc- tion as a club and there is a real belief that we belong at this level.” Hungerford twice took the lead throughMike Jones and Luke Hopper

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before Ebbsfleet had Charlie Rowan sent off for an off-the-ball clash with Hopper. But Ebbsfleet hit back in the second half and their pressure finally broke Hungerford’ s resistance. Despite Saturday’s setback, it has been a brilliant start to the campaign. But Robinson knows it will not be any easier on Saturday as Crusaders host early leaders Dorking Wander- ers. Robinson said: “Dorking are arguably the best team in the league. “I have always admired the way they play going forward and Jason Prior and Alfie Rutherford are proba- bly the best front pair in the division, so it will be a hell of a test. “But we have nothing to fear from them and if my players give me every- thing they have then they are a match for anyone.”

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we did that. “Conor’s ability is unques- tioned and our job behind him is to keep it tight and give ourselves a chance because we know we will score goals. “The whole team put in a solid performance. “Andy Gunn was excellent at the back and Felix Prudden, who we have just signed for Thame, had a great debut in the middle of midfield.” A crowd of 162 watched the game and Leacock thanked the fans for their support. He said: “The club has been fortunate to have had a great few years, but there is a new reality now and we have had to cut our cloth accordingly and put our faith in a young side. “But we are determined to be as competitive as we can be at this level and we will not accept turning up and losing every week. “We are all working hard.” Kingfishers will have to produce another top-class performance on Saturday as they host top-of-the-table AFC Totton (3pm). And they are at home again next Tuesday when they enter- tain Bristol Manor Farm (7.45pm).

Reporbt y RALPHWEBB email ralph.webb@newbuyrnews.co.uk

CONOR Lynch hit a second-half hat-trick as Thatcham Town finally chalked up their first win of the season in Southern League Division 1 South. The Kingfishers, who had picked up just three points from their opening five games, bounced back from their FA Trophy defeat at the hands of North Leigh the previous week to outgun Melksham Town 3- 0. And manager Jamie Leacock was delighted to finally get off the mark. He said: “It is a monkey off our back and it will do our confidence the world of good. “Whenever we have had a bad performance, we have hit back in the next game – we have never got into a rut or a long run of defeats. “To get the win is a bit of a relief and shows that we have the capabil- ity to compete against good sides.” Leacock has had to start from scratch this season on a limited

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budget, but his young side is coming to terms with life at this level. And the former Hungerford first-team coach was just as delighted with his side’s clean sheet as he was with the win. He said: “Melksham are a good side, they have recruited well and have a strong squad. “We knew we had to stay patient and take our opportuni- ties when they came along, and

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