Simon Johnson’s Cityzens are set for one of their toughest tests of the season as they make the trip to Step 3 side Hungerford Town tomorrow evening for a Berkshire & Buckinghamshire FA Senior County Cup Second Round showdown.

In what promises to be a captivating all-Berkshire encounter under the lights at Bulpit Lane, the Cityzens will be eager to extend their impressive unbeaten run and continue their fine form against higher-tier opposition. With a historic cupset at stake, Johnson’s men will look to channel their momentum and the backing of the travelling supporters as they aim to progress to the next round.

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION

Hungerford Town FC was founded in 1886, initially playing friendlies before joining local leagues. The club’s early success came in the Newbury Challenge Cup (1904–05, 1908–09) and multiple Newbury League titles before World War I.

After moving through several regional leagues, Hungerford joined the Hellenic League Premier Division in 1958, winning cups and earning promotion back to the top flight in 1970–71. The late 1970s and early 1980s were a golden era, highlighted by FA Vase semi-finals, a first FA Cup appearance (1979–80), and victory in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup (1981–82).

Following league restructures and near misses for promotion, the club returned to the Hellenic League in 2003, winning multiple cups and the Premier Division title (2008–09) to move into the Southern League. Continued progress saw Hungerford promoted to the National League South in 2016, marking their highest-ever level.

After several seasons in the sixth tier, the club was relegated in 2022–23 to the Southern League Premier Division South.

HEAD TO HEAD

Whilst this may be the first competitive meeting between Hungerford Town’s First Team and ours.  It is not the first time the clubs have met, in 2012 during our pre-season preparations, known then as Highmoor Ibis we beat the crusaders 2-1.

During our 2011/12 campaign in which we secured promotion to Step 5 from the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East we also faced Hungerford Town Reserves, in both league and cup famously beating them 4-1 in the BlueFin Challenge Cup in the third round, which eventually saw us in the final against Reading Town, in what was a scintillating fixture with Town winning 3-4.

Johnson’s side are now unbeaten in eight games and come into this game on the back of a 4-0 win at home to Hilltop in the Combined Counties Football League Premier Division North on Saturday.

Whilst the Cityzens enjoy their purple patch, things are very different for our near-neighbours who come into this game without a win in three consecutive games. They come into this fixture on the back of a 6-3 defeat to fellow Berkshire side, Bracknell Town.

The Crusaders therefore will not want to face defeat in another all-Berkshire clash, whilst Johnson’s side will be dreaming of causing an upset!

A FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS

Both Club Captain, Adam Cashin-Murray and Team Captain, Stefan Brown have previously represented the Crusaders.

Stefan is somewhat of a legend at Hungerford Town, Whilst lining out for the Crusaders, he helped them earn promotion to the National League South at the end of the 2015/16 Season. During the Play-Off Semi Final, the West Berkshire side were trailing by two goals to Hitchin. A subsequent comeback was launched, and the winning goal came courtesy of Stefan in the 84th minute, earning them a place in the Play-Off Final, which they went on to win with Stefan Brown scoring in the final to help them on their way to a 2-1 win against Leamington.

ADMISSION

We can confirm that admission for this fixture will be £5 Adults, Concessions £2.

BULPIT LANE

Address: Town Ground, Bulpit Lane, Hungerford, West Berkshire, RG17 0AY

DIRECTIONS

By Car: Take the A4 to Junction 12 (Theale Interchange). At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the M4 slip road. Merge onto the M4 and continue for about 18 miles, then exit at Junction 14 for A338 (Hungerford/Wantage).

Follow the A338 towards Hungerford. At Wickham Interchange, take the 1st exit to stay on the A338 and continue for around 3 miles. At the first roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Bath Road (A4), then the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit to stay on the A4. At the third roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bridge Street (A338).

Go through 3 small roundabouts, then take the 1st exit onto Priory Road. Turn left onto Bulpit Lane, then left again to stay on Bulpit Lane — your destination will be on the right.

By Train: From Reading take Great Western Railway services to Hungerford. These usually depart Platform 7.

Once you’ve alighted at Hungerford, Bulpit Lane will be a 15 minute walk.

Exit via Hungerford Rail Station

Head northwest toward Everland Road

Turn left onto Station Road

Turn right onto Park Street

Turn left onto Fairview Road

Continue onto Priory Avenue

Turn left onto Bulpit Lane

Turn left to stay on Bulpit Lane

Hungerford Town Football Club will be on the right