Hungerford Town maintained their electric start to the season this weekend as they beat bottom side Braintree Town 2-1 on Saturday.
The three points lifted Danny Robinson’s Crusaders to the peak of the table as they go into Tuesday night’s clash with Hampton & Richmond two points clear at the top.
Hungerford were made to wait until the stroke of half-time to break the dead-lock though as Luke Hopper’s effort found the net via a deflection.
The former Gloucester City man wasn’t done there as he added to his tally 13 minutes into the second period, beating Adam Przybek from the spot after a handball.
The final stages saw the hosts pull a goal back after Jordan Chiedozie struck from distance, but Hungerford were able to see out their lead to top the standings.
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Slough Town slip up
Slough Town fell to their first home league defeat of the season at the hands of Maidstone United this weekend, losing 3-2 at Arbour Park.
However, it was the Rebels who put their noses in front with only three minutes on the clock after a clearance fell to Paul Hodges who chipped the ball over the ‘keeper.
Their lead lasted only four minutes though as Maidstone drew level through Scott Rendell who netted his third league goal of the season.
Just before half-time and the visitors turned the game on its head, going into the break in front after George Porter slotted the ball past Jack Turner.
However, Hodges completed his brace on 55 minutes after tapping in a cross at the back post to level proceedings at Arbour Park.
It was Maidstone who came away with maximum points though and they left it late to bag the winner as Porter netted his second of the afternoon with three minutes left.
The result meant Slough dropped down to 10th as they look ahead to Tuesday night’s trip to Chippenham Town.
Maidenhead United maintain momentum
After bowing out of the Emirates FA Cup, Maidenhead United filled their free weekend with a friendly against Brentford B.
The Magpies are on fire in the National League at the moment and will take positives from Saturday’s test which saw a whole host of changes to their line-up.
Goalkeeper and recent signing Joshua Oluwayemi impressed in his first 90 minutes at York Road, coming in to replace Taye Ashby-Hammond.
Academy graduates Brad Keetch and Reece Smith both started for the National League side with two trialists also coming into the starting 11.
It proved to be another impressive performance from Alan Devonshire’s side, and they took the lead just before the hour mark through Danilo Orsi.
However, Brentford’s B team finished the encounter the happiest as they picked up a late equaliser courtesy of a trialist.
The Magpies are back in competitive action next weekend as they travel to Chesterfield in the Vanarama National League.
FA Cup
In the FA Cup First Round Proper, ex-Maidenhead United stars Dean Inman and Rene Steer were on the losing side as Hampton & Richmond Borough were beaten 3-2 by Football League Oldham Athletic – former Magpie, Ascot United and Bracknell Town striker Nathan Minhas made an 89th minute appearance off the bench for the National League side while ex-Hungerford Town defender Joe Tomlinson scored from the penalty spot in a shoot-out but it wasn’t enough for his new side Eastleigh to beat MK Dons – they lost 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in normal time.
