Not Great for Crusaders as new striker Evans scores but Hungerford out of Berks and Bucks Cup

Hungerford Town forfeited a two-goal lead in Tuesday night’s Berks and Bucks Senior Cup clash, missing out on a spot in the semi-final against Championship side Reading following a 3-2 defeat to Isthmian League opponents Marlow.

A much-changed Crusaders side raced into a 2-0 lead at half time thanks to goals from Stefan Ilic and new signing Great Nii-Okie Evans but a brace from Blues substitute Charlie Samuel and an added time winner from Junaid Bell, who was on trial at Bulpit Lane in the summer, sent Marlow into the semis.

The hosts, who had won three of their last four in the league, went ahead in the 27th minute when Jed Ward's huge clearance sent Stefan Ilic through on goal and the former Hampton and Richmond man beat Marlow's Montel Joseph with a powerful left-footed finish that nestled in the bottom corner.

Just 10 minutes later and the Crusaders doubled their lead thanks to new recruit Great Evans, who was signed from Kingstonian prior to kick-off, when the striker poked home a rebound after his initial shot was saved.

Hungerford looked to be cruising into the next round when substitute Samuel smashed in a left-footed free-kick in the 82nd minute and Marlow were back on terms six minutes later as Samuel, in his second spell with the Blues, beat Jed Ward with a low strike that took a Bulpit bobble but that the Bristol Rovers loanee will feel he should've saved.

Marlow won it in the fourth minute of added time when diminutive midfielder Bell, who turned out for the Crusaders a handful of times in the summer, swept in a right-footed finish from a low cross to knock Hungerford out.

Danny Robinson's side will turn their attention back to survival in the National League South on Saturday, with the visit of 15th placed Welling, who have lost three of their last five but beat the Crusaders 1-0 in the reverse fixture in October.