HARTPURY FC suffered a difficult start to their Southern League Division One South campaign as they were beaten 4-1 by Hungerford Town at Bulpit Lane on Saturday.

The Acorns found themselves behind after just three minutes when Prince Nwachuku volleyed home for the hosts, shortly after Billy Osborn had been unable to convert an early chance at the other end.

Nathan Jenkins almost produced a quick response when his cross began to bend towards goal, forcing Hungerford goalkeeper Ryan Clarke into a stretching save.

The hosts doubled their advantage after 23 minutes in unfortunate circumstances for Hartpury. A clearance rebounded off James Clarke and travelled across the line despite Cameron Walters’ attempts to hook the ball clear.

Hartpury continued to threaten, with Riley McGregor seeing an effort comfortably saved before Drew Robinson tested Clarke from distance.

Their persistence was rewarded on the stroke of half time. Josh Roney’s effort was parried by Clarke and Osborn reacted quickest, heading home to reduce the deficit to 2-1 at the interval.

However, Hungerford restored their two-goal cushion four minutes after the restart as Nwachuku rose highest to head home his second of the afternoon.

Ackeem Stewart then added a fourth less than 10 minutes later to put the contest beyond the visitors.

Keon Sanniola looped a header into Clarke’s hands midway through the second half, while Jenkins fired over after a dazzling run through the Hungerford defence late on.

There was no way back for Hartpury, who were forced to settle for a heavy opening-day defeat in front of 238 spectators.

Hartpury will hope to regroup after a frustrating afternoon in which the hosts made the most of their opportunities.

The Acorns now have a break before returning to action on Saturday, August 29, when they face Exmouth Town in the FA Trophy.