It’s crunch time for Crusaders
Town face two huge games in race to reach play-offs
HUNGERFORD Town are facing the most crucial weekend of their season so far.
The Crusaders have two games over the East Bank Holiday, travelling to Oxford City tomorrow (Friday) and then entertaining Bath City at Bulpit Lane on Monday.
And with the race for the final play-off spot in National League South hotting up, Hungerford can’t afford any more slip-ups.
Just two points separate five teams scrapping for seventh place – but Hungerford missed the chance to move three points clear of their rivals after slipping to a 2-0 home defeat on Saturday at the hands of St Albans, who moved above them into seventh on goal difference.
Manager Danny Robinson took the blame for that defeat, saying: “I take full responsibility as I did not get the selection right and I don’t put any blame on my players.
“It was a disappointing result, but it shows how far we have come as a club because we are down to the last six games of the season and we are still in with a real chance of the play-offs.
“We have secured National League football for another season, so anything now is a bonus.
“So far it has been a great season, but we want to cap it off as best we can.”
Robinson is looking to avenge the 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Oxford.
He said: “They are a top, top side, but we are still hurting from the home game when we were down to 10 men and they scored in the last minute.”
While sixth-placed Oxford will offer a real challenge, Robinson is not underestimating Bath, who are battling to beat the drop.
He said: “Bath are scrapping for their lives so it should be a real humdinger.
“Bath have fantastic support and it’s not far, so there will be a big crowd and we are looking forward to it.”
Hungerford go into the weekend with a clean bill of health, apart from a slight doubt over Kyle Bailey, who hobbled off against St Albans with an ankle injury.