Hungerford inflict damaging defeat for Borough

By Connor Steel

GOSPORT BOROUGH FC sustained another potentially crucial setback to their play-off ambitions as they travelled to Hungerford Town for the latest league game on Saturday afternoon (January 31); eventually losing two-nil versus their relegation threatened opponents for a ‘disappointing performance’ enjoyed by almost four hundred fans at Bulpit Lane.

It was a disrupted start to proceedings with Rhys Tyler picking up an injury and being forced off after five minutes on a heavy surface, which meant that both teams started slowly as they adapted to their conditions. The first notable attack arrived after thirteen minutes when Carter Bowdery ghosted through two away defenders, before slicing narrowly wide.

Andrio Brandao was given a booking for his tackle alongside a member of the Hungerford coaching staff and this gave the hosts a further impetus in the attack; Cameron Squires going close with a cross that beat the keeper but drifted off-target. Dan Wooden further created a space but saw a low shot blocked away at source as the defence recovered well.

Squires was threatening and could have assisted in the opener after thirty-two minutes when his set-piece was met by Jordan Rose, but the player misjudged contact at the back post. Brilliant defending from Gosport then denied Brandao in the last real chance of this goalless first half as this run was stopped from developing in a highly dangerous position.

Hungerford resumed strongly and finally made their ‘dominance’ count after fifty-one minutes when a rapid attack was played into the path of Kyle Tooze, whose shot was fired in the corner for one-nil. Borough did respond well and could have levelled on the hour when an effort was lashed towards goal but Luke Cairney was smart to the danger to his left.

Gosport’s task was made harder when the home side made it two-nil moments later through Bowdery who finished off a lovely move and cut-back inside the corner. This forced the visitors into substitutions from Gosport including Michael Fernandes and the away attacker was immediately into the game action with his effort that was saved well by Cairney.

Ewan Lynch went closer to making it three-nil but was denied by a stunning finger-tip save by Henry Blackledge in this away goal; the keeper further denying another drive in the eighty-first minute. Down the other end Borough had a spell of pressure as they sought to create opportunities to somehow get something but the hosts stood firm to seal their win.

After two successive away defeats Borough are just holding onto the last play-off spot in the ‘Southern League‘ having played more matches than the sides below them in the table following weather postponements. They also have a busy week at the AEI Stadium with big matches versus Gloucester City on Wednesday evening and Chertsey next Saturday.

PICTURED BY HUNGERFORD TOWN FC MEDIA: The two sides in action under overcast sky on Saturday afternoon.