It was not pretty but Hungerford secured the three points against a very resilient Plymouth Parkway at the “theatre of trees” on Saturday.

Hungerford made the long journey to Plymouth knowing they would be missing George Smith from last weeks win over Gloucester City and new signing Max Ram’s paperwork had not gone through. Danny Robinson gave Rafa Ramos his first start in a Hungerford shirt in what proved to be a masterstroke of a selection.

The game started with a nasty challenge on Hungerford centre back Jordan Rose which many thought was a borderline red card. Only a free kick was awarded though with no cards, and luckily Rose could continue. It would not be the last time the officials had the away side baffled during this match

Brad Hooper had Hungerford’s first chance with a shot from outside the box that was only just over the bar after 5 minutes. Moments later his midfield partner Joe Shepherd made a good run into the Plymouth box. Shepherd then headed the ball back into the six-yard box, there were no Hungerford attackers on hand to convert the chance however

The opening goal came after 25 minutes Jose Marquez played the ball across the box to find Rafa Ramos who smashed the ball past the keeper. Ramos’ with a composed finish securing his first goal for the club in his first start.

With around five minutes to go before half time Ramarni Medford-Smith thought he had doubled Hungerford’s lead but his finish at the back post of a Shepherd ball across the six-yard box was ruled offside.

The second half followed much the same pattern as the first with Hungerford looking lightly to score if they could produce a few moments of quality. Jordan Rose almost did exactly that on the hour with a great header that hit the crossbar with the keeper beaten.

Hungerford made some changes bringing on Kyle Tooze to ruffle feathers, along with Toby Stephens who made his debut in midfield. Tooze had an immediate impact with a ball down the right wing to Shepherd who’s cross found Ramos. The striker then smashed the ball into the net with his left foot. Another quality finish to win the game.

With time running out Hungerford found themselves down to ten men after a bizarre decision to give Louis McGrory a second yellow card after delaying taking a corner. The main cause of the delay being Parkway making a substitution. It was sour way to end an otherwise fruitful day.

Team : Evans, Tyler, Angell, Medford-Smith, Berry-Hargreaves, Rose, McGrory, Hooper (Stephens), Shepherd, Marquez (Tooze), Ramos (Ibe)
Subs : Berchinie, Paget
Attendance : 310
Star Man : Rafa Ramos