Hungerford Town 3 Marine 0

Match Report from Pete Crockett

McDONAGH HAT TRICK SINKS MARINE

In the end the scoreline was emphatic. However, for those of a Swindon Supermarine persuasion the three-goal margin by which Hungerford Town advanced in the FA Cup seemed a touch harsh on their team

For forty-five minutes Marine stood strong and more than that they carved the better chances. They were undone by a figure familiar to them - Conor McDonagh, once their own, now the scourge of their afternoon, his hat-trick decisive, his timing cruel.

His first came in the first minute of first half-injury time. Hungerford, true to their directness, launched a set piece into the Marine box. George Smith’s long throw generated a muddle of boots and bodies with Marine unable to clear. The ball broke to CONOR McDONAGH who drove it ruthlessly into the net.

How bitter for Marine as up until that point they had the better of the first half chances. The first of these was in the 16th minute when Frankie Monk stretched for a Dan Warre cross but was unable to guide it home.

The second when on the half hour mark a Josh Blyth header forced a sharp save from Luke Cairney. The third when Jonny Efedje lobbed the advancing goalkeeper only to see his effort bounce the wrong side of the upright.

Even in first half stoppage time, and just after conceding, Marine’s Dan Warre left a defender floundering. His cross was inviting but Tawana Changa’s bobbled effort could only find the hands of the grounded Luke Cairney. Hungerford manager Danny Robinson said post-match that Marine had the better openings in the first half.

Alas, football is remorseless in punishing lapses. Within four minutes of the restart another aerial assault brought a penalty. Hungerford’s Joe Shepherd was tripped and Conor McDonagh slammed the spot-kick home. By the 54th minute the game was won: another George Smith’s long throw was allowed to bounce, Marine then failed to clear and the irrepressible McDonagh pounced for his hat-trick.

Thereafter the sting went from the contest. Hungerford were content to sit and counterattack their work complete. Marine pressed but not with the assurance or incision they had shown in the first period.

One could liken the footballing crusaders method to the medieval trebuchet – a giant catapult employed by the Knights Templars to batter castle walls with fire and stone. The Hungerford Crusaders footballing weapon of choice was a daunting onslaught of George Smith long throws, booming free kicks, and corners driven under the bar.

There were spells where these were hurled menacingly at Marine’s defensive fortifications. For forty-five minutes of the first half Marine held. However, in first half injury time, and those fatal ten minutes after the interval, their defences crumbled.

This was always going to be a tough test. Hungerford, organised and experienced, look a side with ambitions of promotion. Marine will not be the only team they batter with their set piece fusillade. That they should prevail is no disgrace.

There remain positives for Marine – they were very much in the game for the first forty-five minutes. Additionally, they fashioned clear chances and, had one been taken, the match may have turned out differently. The other bonus was substitutes Max Hemmings, Charlie Betts, and Sam Bailey all getting on-field minutes in the latter stages.

Marine manager Bobby Wilkinson spoke afterwards of pride in his players’ first half discipline and tenacity. He was disappointed in the goals conceded - each avoidable. He also regretted Marine’s failure to pass with the confidence seen in recent matches.

He framed the afternoon as a learning experience: a glimpse of the standards to be met and mistakes to be purged. His pick of the players young centre-back Josh Blyth, who he praised for his impressive performance and future potential.

No shame in defeat to higher-ranked opponents. Marine played to the end their unity unbroken. As a team they are on a development journey. The important thing from this match - learn the lessons, build upon the positives, and march on to the next challenge

Attendance: Tbc

Manager:	Dany Robinson
Line-up:	Colours: White & Black
No	Player	Goals	Card	No	Substitute	Goals	Card
1.	Luke Cairney [GK]
3.	Ramarni M-Smith			2.	Curtis Angell 63’
4.	Georg Smith
5.	Jordan Rose
6.	Matt Berry-Hargreaves		82’
7.	Zack Kotwica			17.	Alex Monks 79’
9.	Harry Williams			11.	Kye Tooze 79’
10.	Conor McDonagh	45+2’, 48’pen, 51’		18.	James Ollis 79’
15.	Ty Duffus
16.	Louis McGrory (c)
19.	Joe Shepherd		45’	8.	Brad Hooper 75’

Editors Star Man: Conor McDonagh
Subs not used: 22. Cam Squires, 23. Brad Passey

Manager:	Bobby Wilkinson
Line-up:	Colours: All Yellow
No	Player	Goals	Card	No	Substitute	Goals	Card
1	Luke Purnell [GK]
2	Sam Turl (c)
3	Owen Foye		15’
4	Josh Grant			14	George Alston 81’
5	Josh Blyth
6	Tawana Changa			17	Max Hemmings 60’
7	Jonny Efedje			16	Charlie Betts 81’
8	Jamie Edge		45+3’
9	Dan Warre		50’	12	James Harding 60’
10	Sid Gbla
11	Frankie Monk			18	Sam Bailey 60’

Editors Star Man: Josh Blyth
Subs not used: 15 Joe Selman, 20 Lucas Myers (GK)