An impressive Hungerford Town did everything but find a winner in their 1-1 draw with nine-man Chelmsford City on Tuesday night.
A 75th minute penalty from Jake Evans cancelled out Callum Jonesâ first half header as the Crusaders hit the woodwork three times in a magnificent performance that was more than deserving of three points.
Chelmsford were reduced to 10 prior to the Evans spot-kick after captain Dave Winfield handled the ball on the line and were down to nine just four minutes later when Henry Ochieng was sent off for a second bookable offence but the Clarets somehow held onto a point thanks to a combination of backs-to-the-wall defending and good fortune.
Hungerford boss Danny Robinson was full of praise for his sideâs efforts and insisted the Crusaders are still in with a realistic chance of survival in the National League South, despite being seven points adrift of safety.
âThat was the best Iâve ever seen us play,â he said.
âI donât think anyone in the ground has a clue how we havenât won it, weâve hit the bar twice and then the post in the last minute.
âI couldnât be prouder of the players, if we play like that every week weâll stay up.â
The Crusaders look like they’ll have to do without Dan Roberts after the prolific frontman limped off in the first half with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
And Robinson admitted that Roberts’ absence will be a big blow but said that he remains in the market for another striker.
He said: “We’re hopeful Dan might not be as bad as we first feared, but it looked like a hamstring tear which will probably be four to six weeks.
“Dan’s given us goals so he’ll be a miss but I thought Niko (Muir) came on and did really well tonight and we’re looking to bring someone else in.
“I think we should have another two in before Saturday.”
Hungerford are at home for the third time in a row this weekend, taking on near-neighbours Oxford City.