The night is darkest just before the dawn. It's an old saying but very apt for Gosport Borough and Alex Pike.

Pike was able to introduce six new players to his squad after the National League's transfer embargo was finally lifted on Thursday. This meant the beleaguered Boro' boss was able to bolster his bare-bones squad and after a breathless day of running around yesterday he was finally able to name a full squad for the first time in almost a month against play-off chasing Hungerford Town.

There was most certainly a new life and energy in his squad but sadly it proved to be to no avail as Hungerford returned to Berkshire with all three points and left Gosport without a league win in almost three months and hovering perilously close to the relegation zone.

Two points separate them from Whitehawk and Concord Rangers who are directly beneath them and Gosport now face a two week wait until their next League outing at Hampton & Richmond.

But hope remains. The energy and fresh enthusiasm injected by the new arrivals gave every Boro' fan cause to be optimistic. There was a new fight and resilience and Pike was given various options he had been denied in previous matches. He now has time and several training sessions to settle his new players in and prepare for the 16 crucial league games that remain. The fight to retain the club's National League status is now underway.

Sadly it was the season-long fragility at the back that cost Gosport this game. Three of the four goals were preventable. The other, a classy effort from substitute Stefan Brown was a top drawer strike. But no Gosport fan will take that as a consolation.

They will however see the positives. A definite new hunger running through the squad, new players that will in time provide a huge boost and a different dimension. The fact that their fate is still in their own hands with games against all the teams around them still to come.

The pitch had survived a night of persistent rain and would provide a decent platform for the six new signings to make their debuts. Four - Whittingham, Rose, Vine and Lanahan - all started whilst another two - Wedlake and Begley - were included as Gosport were able to fill their substitutes bench for the first time in several matches.

The return of striker Ollie Bailey and goalkeeper Nick Jordan also gave them a boost. Gosport were however, without the injured trio of Ben Harding, Josh Carmichael and Scott Walters.

Both teams opened brightly with chances at a premium in the opening quarter of an hour. A driving run by Aaron Dawson almost unlocked the Crusaders defence but some last ditch defending prevented what could have been a good opening for Boro' to work with. Ramone Rose’s thunderous effort from out on the right flank was well held by former Gosport loan goalkeeper George Legg.

Gosport were playing with a hunger and energy not seen for several weeks and were unlucky to fall behind when Manny Williams poked home a loose ball after a goalmouth scramble. Moments later it got worse for the home side as Jon Boardman made it two - scoring a controversial goal with Nick Jordan appearing to be fouled as Boardman tucked the ball home.

It was soon almost three as Nick Jordan clawed a Manny Williams header away at full stretch after Soares’ chipped cross from the left found the former Basingstoke striker unmarked. Jarvis then hit the post with a downward header as Boro’s luck held with the home side trying to find a way back into the game.

Jordan continued to keep Gosport in with a shout as he made a further save from Clark as half time approached.

The second half began with Hungerford remaining in control. Gosport were offered a way back into the game as Tom Bird was fouled in the area and referee Kaye awarded the home a penalty. Ben Wright converted, placing the spot kick high into the top corner of George Legg’s net.

However, Gosport wasted the foothold they had gained as Jarvis had a free header from a Luke Williams cross which he duly planted past Jordan to restore the Crusaders two goal advantage. Hungerford remained firmly in charge with substitute Stefan Brown flashing a header past the post with Williams once again supplying the cross.

A free kick from a central position 20 yards out presented a real threat to Gosport. But Williams’ effort took a slight deflection and was well held by Jordan who made a string of crucial saves. Finally the visitors broke through once more with Stefan Brown crashing a ferocious effort into the roof of the net to make it four.

Both teams made changes with Boro' bringing on Bailey and debutants Harry Wedlake and Flynn Begley but Hungerford were now comfortable and cruised to the win.