Hungerford showed they won't be going down without a fight as a first half goal from Joe Tomlinson gave the Crusaders a deserved win over an in-form Chelmsford. Every player in white and black battled from the first whistle to the last covering every blade of grass to keep their opponents at bay. More composure and ruthlessness in-front of goal and the score line would've emphatic.

Ian Herring made one change to the side beaten at Welling the week before. Zidan Akers came in for Dan Bailey. Before the game it was announced Marcus Johnson-Schuster had dislocated his shoulder meaning the right back didn't feature in the squad. There was good news though with Jose Maturino Da Silva returning and Yan Klukowski fit enough for the bench.

Hungerford made a good start and Joe Tomlinson flew an effort just over the crossbar. The visitors though had two golden chances within eight minutes of each-other. Sam Higgins broke the offside trap and chipped the on-rushing Adam Siviter however the ball hit a post. Chris Whelpdale then met a cross at the back post and saw his strike saved by the legs of Siviter. The hosts then took the lead shortly before half time. Zidan Akers pounced on a poor clearance by Elliot Omozusi. Akers bided his time before sending a deep cross into the penalty area. Tomlinson made a late run into the box and passed the ball into the net.

The visitors came out in the ascendancy after the break and a low Whelpdale cross, flicked on by Adrian Cascaval forced Siviter into a smart reflex save. The pendulum swung back in the hosts favour and Akers most definitely should've made it two-nil. The winger was played clean through on goal but saw his shot cannon back off the post. Whelpdale then had to clear James Rusby's long throw-in off the line after it looped over goalkeeper Jack West-Astuti. Chelmsford dominated the ball for large parts but couldn't breakthrough with the impressive George Smith breaking up the attacks. However, the hosts once again should've doubled their advantage. Akers lead a counter attack and played in Ralph Graham. One on one Graham shot straight at the goalkeeper. Cascaval headed over a good chance in added time as Hungerford held on for the deserved win.