With just three games left to play, Wimborne make their first-ever Southern League visit to Hungerford on Good Friday. Although the clubs have met in other competitions, the only time The Magpies and The Crusaders have met in this League was the reverse fixture back in September when a goal in each half by Will Fletcher and Cam Munn gave Tim’s team a 2-1 win.

Hungerford were relegated from National South to Southern Premier South at the end of the 2022-23 season. Last time around they finished eighth, four points off a play-off spot. For this campaign hopes were high that they could improve on that. Well, they’re currently seventh with a W16 D10 L13 GF 61 GA 49 record, and, mathematically, still have a chance, albeit a small one, of finishing higher, although that coveted play-off place looks out of reach. At their Bulpit Lane home, the record is W10 D4 L5.

As with so many others, consistency, or rather inconsistency, has been a problem for Danny Robinson’s team. They took just six points from their first seven league games; in late September, October and November they drew eight of their nine games; in December they won one but lost four; then went on an award-winning unbeaten run for all of January and February winning eight and drawing two; before winning four and losing three in March and April.

Hungerford’s last six results were: Gloucester (h) won 1-0; Plymouth Parkway (a) won 2-0; Winchester (h) lost 0-1; Frome (a) won 1-0; Totton (h) lost 0-3; and last Saturday Marlow (a) won 2-1. That leaves them fifth in the current form table (last six games) with the third best defensive, i.e. goals against, record.

Who has the best defensive record? Why, Wimborne, of course! Our last six results were: Supermarine (a) drew 0-0; Plymouth Parkway (h) won 1-0; Frome (a) won 1-0; Gosport (a) drew 1-1; Walton & Hersham (a) lost 1-2; and, last Saturday, Basingstoke (h) won 1-0 – just three goals conceded. The Magpies are now ninth in that form table.

In the table that matters, Wimborne are back to eightth with a W15 D10 L14 GF 47 GA 52 record; on our travels it’s W4 D6 L9. Those 55 points are already a record for WTFC at Step 3, and if we can remain higher than 13th this will be the Club’s highest-ever finish in the non-league pyramid. But you’ll have heard from boss Tim and skipper Jacko that the boys want to keep pushing and finish the season well. However, Cameron Plain, injured hand, and Billy Walker won’t be in contention for a place in Tim’s starting line-up on Friday. Matty Burrows and Fletch are having their own private battle for “golden boot” so keep an eye on them.

Which of Robinson’s Crusaders should we keep an eye on? Their squad list is packed with familiar names. Jordan Rose in defence; Brad Hooper in midfield; Jordon Ibe (AFCB paid £15m for him in 2016), Conor Mcdonagh, Rafa Ramos, who this season has nearly had as many clubs as Rory Mcllroy but bagged a brace in his first start for Hungerford recently, and Kyle Tooze, who was player / manager at Paulton last season; while Jose Marquez is a striker in form with eight this calendar year; and the defence has kept eight clean sheets in 17 games in 2025.

Hungerford will want revenge for that reverse at the Wyatt Homes Stadium; Wimborne will want to keep their good run going and stay in the division’s top ten. And with players keen to catch the attention of their boss as he thinks about his squad for the next campaign, this has all the makings of being a cracking fixture. Can you be there to support the boys?

There are seats available on the team coach, contact Paula if you’re interested.

Hungerford’s ground: Bulpit Lane, Hungerford, Berkshire  RG17 0AY  – approx 70 miles

Average attendance: 405

Admission: adults £12, seniors £9.

Weather forecast: light cloud; 14oC; 40% chance of rain.