Looking good for Crusaders
Robinson takes positive approach after friendly draw
HUNGERFORD Town manager Danny Robinson found the positives after his side drew 1-1 with Gosport Borough in a friendly at Bulpit Lane on Saturday.
It was Crusaders’ penultimate friendly of the summer and their final one at home as they continue preparations for the National League South season.
The Crusaders took the lead, but their opponents fought back and left Berkshire with a draw.
Speaking after the game, Robinson said: “We started off really well and we could have been out of sight after the first goal, but I was pleased with our start.
“We got out in front and then kind of took our foot off the gas as we allowed them back into the game and they probably deserved their equaliser.
“In the second half, we had the majority of the ball and created chances, but it had that friendly feel to it and it petered out in the end.”
It’s the second time Hungerford have faced Gosport in pre-season as they suffered their only defeat so far when they met towards the end of last month.
Robinson said: “I’ve never played the same side twice in pre-season, but you look at it like a league season and we wanted to replicate that.
“I didn’t think we were good at their place and we got what we deserved, but we should have won on Saturday because we were comfortable and we had chances.”
One negative from the game for Hungerford was losing Henry Lander to what may be a season-ending injury.
The defender ruptured his
Achilles in the first minute of the game and needed to go to hospital for treatment.
On the injury, Robinson said: “Unfortunately it looks like a ruptured Achilles – we’re not sure what level it is, but I can imagine he will be side-lined for four to six months.
“He has been brilliant ever since he walked through the door and I know how excited he was to give it a go at this level.
“He is a big character in the changing room and I am gutted, but I know he will come back stronger and support the football club.”
This weekend, Town face Wealdstone in their final pre-season game of the summer and it’s a test Robinson is looking forward to.
He said: “It will be a big test. I am very much looking forward to it and it’s the last opportunity players will get to stake a claim.”