Hemel Hempstead v Hungerford Town
Where: Vauxhall Road, HP2 4HW
When: 3rd August, 2019
K.O 3PM
The national league south starts for another season. The first match for the Crusaders is a tricky test away at Hemel Hempstead. Hemel have reinvigorated there squad this summer with Sammy Moore brining across lots of familiar faces from Concord Rangers. It’ll be a tough test against play off hopefuls but Ian Herring has every right to be positive with a good pre-season and fresh faces joining the club including former Oxford United striker James Constable. This game won’t define anyone’s season but it will start a roller-coaster ride never to be forgotten.

Form guide- Hemel beat Berkhamsted 3-2 on Saturday to end pre-season after losing one-nil to MK Dons and drawing 1-1 with Ebbsfleet United. Hungerford ended pre-season with a 3-0 loss to league two Newport County after beating Calne 4-0 and losing to Swindon Supermarine 2-0.

Team news- The Tudors have had a big summer of transfer dealings. Alex Wall, Connor Essam, Tyrone Sterling, Sam Beasant and Sam Midson all join Moore from Concord. Munashe Sundire and Ricardo German have also joined the club. The Crusaders have also brought in some fresh faces themselves including James Constable, Louis McGrory, Zidane Akers and Matt Berry-Hargreaves.

Star man- After scoring 21 goals that helped Concord to a 6th placed finished last season, Alex Wall will be the main threat and vocal point of the Tudors attack on Saturday. For the visitors, new winger Zidane Akers has looked sharp in pre-season. He can glide past players with ease with his burst of blistering pace and isn’t afraid to have a shot on goal.

Head to head- Last season Hemel won 3-0 at Bulpit Lane after the first game at Vauxhall road ended in a 0-0 stalemate. In 2017/18 Hungerford won 2-1 in Hertfordshire gaining revenge for a 2-0 home loss earlier in the season. In 2016/17 the Crusaders won 3-0 at home before losing 2-0 at the Tudors.