HUNGERFORD Town gave their Southern League Premier Division play-off hopes a major boost with a hard-fought 1-0 home win against Merthyr Town, writes Richard Ashton.

The Martyrs arrived at Bulpit Lane on the back of a six-match winning run, but it was Hungerford who nearly broke the deadlock when Keyon Reffell just failed to get on the end of a dangerous cross.

The hosts started the second half well and Rhys Tyler struck two shots just wide, before Garyn Preen hit the post with a splendid cross-shot.

Hungerford could have been given a penalty when Preen was brought down, but they secured the win 10 minutes from time when Ian Herring nodded home from a corner.

Fourth-placed Hungerford visit relegated Histon on Saturday (3pm).

Thatcham Town kept their slim Hellenic League Premier Division title hopes alive with a 1-0 win at Royal Wootton Bassett on Saturday, Gareth Thomas getting the goal.

However, they were beaten 4-2 in their Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup semi final against Brimscombe & Thrupp last Wednesday. Thomas Browne and Josh Helmore were the Kingfishers’ goalscorers.

Thatcham were due to host Tuffley Rovers this past Tuesday, before visiting Bracknell Town next Tuesday.

Newbury host Woodley United Reserves in the Thames Valley Premier League this Saturday (2pm).