Match Preview: Southern League Premier South
Basingstoke Town vs Hungerford Town
When: Saturday 6th September 2025 Kick-off 3pm
Where: Winklebury Centre, Winklebury Way, Basingstoke. RG23 8BF
Hungerford Town (The Crusaders), 2024-25 League Finished 7th
Since our last home game, we have had two pretty unsuccessful away trips. Another loss to Bracknell Town, a team we seem simply unable to beat, and then our latest short participation in the FA Cup, as we lost to fellow league side, Gosport Borough last Saturday.
Back in the league we now host Hungerford Town tomorrow afternoon, who we picked up just one out of six possible points last season. Starting with a 1-1 draw at home in October, our goal-scorer on the night being Billy Upton Then in the return fixture in February of this year, we lost 2-1, with James Clark’s added-time penalty conversion, our only response.
Our Opponents
The Crusaders are managed by Danny Robinson, who made the switch to Hungerford Town after five very successful years with Thatcham Town. One of his most proud and memorable moments at the Kingfishers, was winning the FA Vase at Wembley in 2018. He also won the Hellenic League title and guided them to promotion to the Southern League Division 1 South.
Hungerford sit four places above Basingstoke in eight place, having a record of 3 Wins, 0 draws and two losses and 9pts. Last time out in what was a laden-filled game of red and yellow cards, two late Conor McDonagh goals gave them a 3-1 home win against newly promoted Yate Town. Last Saturday, they defeated AFC Stoneham 3-0 in the FA Cup, and have another home tie, as they will host Swindon Supermarine in the 2nd qualifying round Saturday week. Their forward line starts with the experienced Conor McDonagh, who has played for clubs such as Oxford City, Banbury Utd & Swindon Supermarine who he joined the Crusaders back in July 2023. Another experienced striker is 29-year-old Harry Williams, who has had a number of stints at Cheltenham, Farnborough, Gloucester, and more recently at Swindon Supermarine where he joined the Crusaders in July this year. James Ollis, is another striker who has previously played for Mangotsfield & Thatcham Town. Patrick Osbourne, is a young attacker who was previously having played for Kidlington Didcot and Oxford City
Their midfield has stayed pretty much the same, as veteran Kyle Tooze, is back for another season. Brad Hooper, is also back, having played over 200 games for Swindon Supermarine, and then a short stint at Cirencester, before coming to Bulpitt Lane two seasons ago. Louis McGrory is in his third spell at Hungerford and has played for more clubs than Sam Allardyce has managed, but more recently Gloucester, Weston-Super-Mare & Salisbury. Joe Shepherd is also back, who arrived from Cirencester Town last season, having also spent time at Swindon Supermarine. Alex Monks joins from Frome Town, and is regarded as a player, who is not afraid of a tackle or two.
Back for another season in defence are Ramarni Medford-Smith and Matthew Barry-Hargreaves. Medford-Smith, was a Reading youth product, and before joining Hungerford, he played for the likes of Bracknell, Farnborough & Marlow. Barry-Hargreaves, is a product from Hungerford’s academy, was signed by Oxford Utd, and has been an ever present in the team since rejoining the Crusaders back in the 2018-19 season. Curtis Angell, who spent a short time at Basingstoke, before returning to home-town club, could well earn the start left-back role. Tyrone Duffus, is a defender who was from Everton academy, and made professional appearances for Oldham & Barnet, before time at Swindon Supermarine and then Gloucester City. Jordan Rose, is a vastly experienced defender, who has played for numerous clubs, but more recently Gosport, Farnborough & Eastleigh. In goal will be well-known keeper Luke Cairney, who returns for the Crusaders following three seasons away, whilst playing at Poole Town & Winchester City.
Our Basingstoke Town Side
Well the first month of the season, is already done and in the books, and after our initial victory on opening day, and despite some solid performances, we have picked up just three points out of a possible twelve, and now sit in twelfth place. Of course we have been hindered due to our current central striker injury problems, but this is hopefully starting to come to an end, as Liam Ferdinand, made his first appearance, although then shortened, as he was sacrificed, due to Simon Grants red card last Saturday. It is also expected that Charlie Austin who has missed the last three games, will play some part in tomorrow’s game. Charlie has many contacts at Hungerford and spent time as an 18-year-old there. This should mean that Robbie Gallagher and Bradley Wilson are likely to play up top with Ferdinand. George Reid, is also an option here, alongwith Joel Rollinson.
Our midfield has struggled at times in the past few games, although sometimes playing against an extra man, and it is unclear who are the first choices in the middle here. James Dickson seems to have won his starting role, whilst D’Andre Brown, Josh Green & Ben Cook battle it out for the other two positions here. Connor Barratt is the other option here
The defence has been our strongest area on the field so far, and will need to be at it’s best tomorrow afternoon, against an attacking Hungerford side. Billy Upton will lead the line and team, and Jack Ball who has stood out amongst many Stoke fans, will be next to him. Scott Armsworth is also an option following his one match ban. The defensive backs, look to remain the same with Markus Johnson-Schuster on the right, and Joe O’Loughlin on the left. Elliott Legg, our goalscorer at Gosport, is pushing both backs for a start. It is not clear at this time, but unlikely that Simon Grant has had his ridiculous red card overturned on appeal, this means, that Stoke will either go with Dmitri Hardman, or another keeper is unclear. Rumours that the club were turned down by QPR in trying to get Joel Halliday on loan.
With it being non-league day, the crowd will hopefully be larger than normal, and Basingstoke will have a stern test against a strong Hungerford side, but a good showing by Stoke is needed, as a second win would help push us back up the table, where we need to be. Weather appears to be set fine for a good day, so make your way down to Winklebury, have a pint in the clubhouse, and let’s hope Stoke obtain all three points tomorrow.
Match Preview by Martin French..
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