The new Southern League Div One South season in FINALLY upon us and it all kicks off for the Acorns on Saturday, as we travel to Hungerford Town.
The Acorns will be looking to kick the season off with three points after suffering defeat to Cirencester Town, in the FA Cup, last Friday.
Ahead of our trip to Berkshire, here is everything you need to know about Saturday’s opponents.
THE OPPOSITION – HUNGERFORD TOWN
STADIUM – Bulpit Lane
NICKNAME – The Crusaders
FOUNDED – 1888
MANAGER – Danny Robinson
LEAGUE POSITION – 13th
FORM GUIDE – D-L
HOW’S IT STARTED?
The Crusaders will have hoped for a better start to the new season, following their drop from step three, as they still await their first win of the season.
Hungerford opened their campaign, last Saturday, with a testing draw against fellow relegated side Tiverton Town.
Fraser Bell’s 38th minute finish was cancelled out by an 80th minute Louis Jagger Cane finish.
The Crusaders looked to bounce back on Tuesday night, but we’re undone by a 99th minute Melksham Town winner, seeing the Berkshire side fall to a narrow 1-0 defeat.
TOWN DROP DOWN
Hungerford suffered relegation from the Southern League Premier South last campaign, as the side picked up just nine wins across the season.
This came after finishing just outside the play-offs in back-to-back seasons prior, bringing their three season stay at step three to an end.
It has been a tough few years for the Crusaders who were playing in the National League South, as recent as 2023.
Hungerford spent seven seasons at step two after being promoted in 2016 and in their maiden season at the level, the Crusaders finished sixth securing a play-off position.
However, despite the dream first season at step two, Hungerford were denied a spot in the play-offs alongside Poole Town after failing ground regulations.
FAMOUS FACES
Hungerford have had some well-known faces wear the shirt, but none are more well-known than former Premier League and Championship goalscorer, Charlie Austin.
Austin, originally from Hungerford, started his playing career at the club before floating around non-league with Thatcham Town and Poole.
He earned his break with Swindon Town before joining Burnley, QPR, Southampton and West Brom.
The striker took his career out to Australia when he played for Brisbane Roar in 2022 before returning to Swindon.
As his career entered the later stages, Austin returned to the non-league system with AFC Totton, Basingstoke Town before returning to Hungerford in 2025.
In his entire career, Austin netted over 200 goals in over 500 career appearances.
IN THE DUGOUT – DANNY ROBINSON
Danny Robinson joined the Crusaders in 2020 following a successful period with Thatcham Town.
Robinson lifted the FA Vase at Wembley in 2018 before lifting the Hellenic League Premier title, seeing Thatcham promoted to the Southern League Div One South.
Since joining the Crusaders, Robinson has seen two relegations but has also seen his side become competitive with play-off challenging seasons.
PLAYER TO WATCH- FRASER BELL
Fraser Bell has been seen as an exciting young talent have come through the Forest Green Rovers youth set-up.
Bell joined the Crusaders in the summer following spells with Cirencester Town and Cribbs.
Bell has netted the only goal for Hungerford this season having played every single minute so far in the early stages of the campaign.
RECENT FORM
08.08.26 – Hungerford Town 1-1 Tiverton Town (Southern League Div One South)
11.08.26 – Melksham Town 1-0 Hungerford Town (Southern League Div One South)
