Crusaders pin hopes on Lynch
HUNGERFORD Town have endured a difficult start to their National League South season, winning once, scoring just four times and languishing in the relegation zone.
Since the departure of top goalscorer Ryan Seager in the summer, the Crusaders have searched for a prolific frontman – Niko Muir, Adam Liddle and Leighton Thomas have thus far failed to come close to replacing Seager’s goals.
Now, Hungerford have turned to Conor Lynch, who returns to Bulpit Lane for a second spell following stints with Thatcham, Basingstoke and Bracknell.
When he first left, it was because the number nine role was occupied by none other than Seager himself – now, Hungerford will hope he can step into his shoes.
Lynch has impressed, but has failed to score in his first three league outings as Hungerford’s woes continue.
But the frontman is determined he can be the one to lead the Crusaders up the table.
“I’m delighted to be back. It’s exciting even if we aren’t where we’d like to be,” Lynch said.
The striker was Basingstoke’s top scorer two seasons ago before a more difficult campaign with Isthmian League outfit Bracknell Town.
“When I left two years ago I wanted to play regular football. I’ve done that and I think I’m back a better player than I was,” he said.
“I had a good season with Baskingstoke, I scored goals.
“I knew it would be tough at Bracknell and it didn’t quite
work out.
“In the end the travelling got a bit too much when I wasn’t playing.
“I was a free agent and Danny [Robinson] called me up and asked if I wanted to come back and hopefully score some goals – it was a no brainer.
“I came through the academy at Hungerford and it means a lot to me, I’ll give it everything.
“I know there’s pressure to make an impact, but it might take time.”
Lynch made his second Hungerford debut a fortnight ago as the Crusaders impressed in a 1-0 defeat against unbeaten league leaders Ebbsfleet.
Just three minutes in and the lively frontman was through on goal, but was denied by the legs of experienced goalkeeper Mark Cousins.
He said: “I was disappointed in myself. There were two chances that I think I’d have gobbled up three months down the line and we win the
game 2-1.
“I’m always my own biggest critic, I hate going away feeling like I could’ve done more.”
Three days later and Lynch started in a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Hampton and Richmond on Tuesday night before coming off the bench as the Crusaders lost 2-0 to Dartford, but he’s confident Hungerford aren’t too far away.
“We had a couple of disappointing performances, we’ve struggled to break teams down all season,” he said.
“We’re all still positive. We’re going through a rough spell but we’re sticking together.
“You’ve got to keep hoping that things will turn, we’re good enough to do well in this league.”
Lynch will be looking to make his mark as Hungerford travel to seventh-placed Bath City on Saturday.
If he can, it wouldn’t be a minute too soon.