United face the next test in their Emirates FA Cup journey on Saturday, as Hungerford Town head to Plainmoor to contest tomorrow’s 3rd Round Qualifying tie.
The visit of Hungerford will no doubt stir many happy memories for Gulls boss Gary Johnson in particular, with Town providing the opposition in both Johnson’s first game in charge of The Gulls, as well as on the day Torquay were presented with the National League South championship trophy just a few months later.
As the Gaffer himself will surely testify though, there will be no room for sentiment on the pitch this weekend, with the victors of this clash just one fixture a way from the First Round Proper.
Who’s the boss?
Danny Robinson will be the man in the opposition dugout, having made the switch to Hungerford following a successful five-year stint with Berkshire rivals Thatcham Town.
Previously in charge of Winchester City, the Hungerford hierarchy wasted little time in identifying Robinson as the man to replace Ian Herring in May 2020, having won both the FA Vase and Hellenic League title during his time in charge of Thatcham.
Although last season’s last place finish spelt the end of The Crusaders’ stay in the sixth tier of English football, hopes are undoubtedly high that Danny will be the man to lead them back to National League South once more.
How have they been doing?
Although Town currently reside in 14th place in the Southern League Premier – courtesy of their 12 points from their opening ten outings – their 2023/24 couldn’t have begun any better, as Hungerford turned on the style with an emphatic 7-0 win over Plymouth Parkway.
Things haven’t gone quite so well since, however Robinson’s side remain a force to be reckoned with on their day, with United’s NLS rivals Chippenham Town defeated at home by another comprehensive margin – 4-1 – in the previous round.
Played for both
There may well be a familiar face in the opposition goal tomorrow, with former United ‘keeper Ryan Clarke continuing a fine playing career, despite turning 41 last April.
Having come through the ranks at Bristol Rovers, a brief trial at Plainmoor failed to yield a contract, with the Bristolian going on to gain a reputation as a reliable performer between the sticks at Salisbury, before clocking up over 200 appearances in six years at Oxford United.
Brief spells at Northampton, AFC Wimbledon and Eastleigh preceded a permanent move to the English Riviera, as Clarke’s experience attracted the attentions of then-boss Kevin Nicholson. A change of manager ultimately signalled a change of club, with Bath City proving to be his next port of call for five more highly-productive seasons, before Ryan made the move to Bulpit Lane in the summer.
Player to watch
With seven goals already this term, including a hat-trick in the opening day success over Parkway, Conor McDonagh will no doubt occupy more than a few observer’s minds tomorrow.
The 30 year-old Oxford-born attacker has never been short of suitors on the non-League circuit, with Oxford City, Banbury, Swindon Supermarine and North Leigh all benefitting from his goalscoring ability.
Town’s leading scorer was also in impressive form last Saturday, with his goal in the 3-2 success at Swindon Supermarine helping The Crusaders claim their first away win of the fledgling campaign.
Previous encounter
Despite being a clear second-best to Johnson’s rejuvenated Torquay United in his first game in charge (2-0), Town revelled in the role of party-poopers on the penultimate weekend of the 2018/19, with Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist’s last-minute winner providing a memorable moment for Hungerford’s travelling support, on a day with the rest of Plainmoor came to acclaim United’s first league title in over 90 years.
Ticketing details for tomorrow’s fixture are available HERE, whilst live commentary of the full match will be available via TUFC Radio HERE.