This is the reverse of the opening day fixture. On the 4th of August 2018 in the sunshine (how I want that now) both teams set out on their national league south journey’s. Just over 6 months later and Hungerford are still in with a shout of staying up whilst St Albans are knocking on the door of the play offs. A win is vital for both sides especially the hosts who know they could go bottom if Weston beat Wealdstone. Ian Herring will try and not make that happen but knows staying up will be harder than ever before.

Form guide- St Albans had last weekend off after their home game versus Weston was postponed but play in the Herts senior cup semi-final on Wednesday night v premier league Watford. Their latest result in the league was a 1-0 win away at Hampton and Richmond. Hungerford have lost their last three games narrowly at Wealdstone before 3-0 and 4-1 defeats home and away against Hemel Hempstead and Chelmsford City

Team news- Saints hope Sam Merson, Ben Herd and David Noble are available as the trio recover from recent injury problems. However they definitely won’t have midfielder Percy Kiangebeni after his contract was mutually terminated. The Crusaders won’t have manager Ian Herring available for selection after he announced on Wednesday that he’ll retire from playing football. Callum Willmoth stepped up his rehabilitation by playing 45 minutes on Tuesday night in a friendly against Wooten Bassett. Marvel Ekpiteta also played 45 which combined with his 60 minutes at Chelmsford last Saturday means he should be able to play the full 90. Matt Jones returned to the line-up on Tuesday after being ill for the Chelmsford defeat so should start ahead of Dan Bailey at left back.

Star man- The visitors have striker David Moyo as their main goal threat. The Zimbabwean international has scored 10 goals so far this campaign. Marvel Ekpiteta came back for the hosts last weekend and despite not being fully fit he dealt with everything thrown at him and showed how much the Crusaders have missed him in recent weeks. His partnership with centre back Josh Martin will be key if the Berkshire side are to stay up.

Head to head- Back in August Saints edged a thrilling encounter 3-2 despite Hungerford being 2-1 up. Last season at Bulpit Lane it ended a 3-1 home win following a 0-0 away draw earlier on in the season. In 2016/17 it ended in a 5-0 win to St Albans at Clarence Park before a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture.

Notice- There is likely to be a pitch inspection on Saturday. Recent snow fall and heavy rain fall means the pitch is currently waterlogged. Every effort is being made to make sure St Albans fans don’t have a wasted trip and the game can be played this weekend.