Mann sends City into unknown future with a narrow victory

An Adam Mann goal right on the stroke of half-time was enough for City to secure the three points at Hungerford Town this afternoon. For obvious reasons it was a strange game, with nobody sure where the season will go after today, but City did just enough to deserve the victory over the Vanarama National League South’s bottom side. The first half saw City control possession but struggle to break down the physical home side’s rearguard. It wasn’t until just past the half-hour mark that they created a clear opening, Mann’s pass sending Sam Pearson clear on goal but his shot was well-saved by Henry. As half-time approached City had a scare when Artwell was given a clear sight of goal but he could only shoot straight at Harvey Wiles-Richards. Then just when it looked as the game would go into the interval goalless Mann chased down what looked a lost cause but as Jones and keeper Henry hesitated he gleefully toe-poked the ball into the net. The second half was more open with both sides looking more dangerous in the final third but City dealt well with the Crusaders threat even though they couldn’t add to their lead despite several good openings. The final whistle saw the Romans players give an extended thanks to the travelling fans, who made up a large part of the 619 crowd, with off-field events now likely to determine when (or even if) the 2019-20 season will continue.