Ledburybull watched this afternoon's match at Edgar Street.
Goals from loan signing Craig King and Ryan Valentine gave Hereford a long-awaited and well-deserved league victory over Accrington Stanley at Edgar Street this afternoon. The attendance was a meagre 2013, including 85 Ultras from Lancashire. Manager John Trewick named Danny Blanchett, Mark Marshall and King in the starting line up, whilst Rose, Lowe and Plummer joined fourth new loanee Sonko on the bench.
Attacking the Blackfriars end, Hereford made a lively start and were rewarded by an early goal. On 6 minutes, a long free kick from Valentine was headed on by Darren Jones near the edge of the box. Stanley custodian Ian Dunbavin had left his line and was in no man’s land, the ball fell to Craig King who volleyed it into the back of the net. HUFC 1 ACCY 0.
Former Shrewsbury player Symes hit a 25 yard drive over the bar, and Adam Bartlett tipped a Luke Joyce effort over as Accrington sought an early reply. A Robert Grant free kick, bouncing awkwardly in front of the keeper was also handled with aplomb. The Bulls then had a golden opportunity to double their lead on 25 minutes. A short corner from Marshall to Marc Pugh who was clumsily tripped in the box for a clear penalty. Pugh took the kick himself, attempting to repeat the delicate chip into the centre of the goal, with which he had succeeded against Bristol Rovers. However, Dunbavin got a foot to the shot and smothered the ball on the goal line. Marlon Jackson was injured after a heavy challenge and was replaced by Tristan Plummer. Hereford withstood several Stanley set pieces as the interval approached and maintained their slender lead.
HT HUFC 1 ACCY 0
The second half started scrappily, with Accy having the better of the early exchanges. Darren Jones headed a dangerous cross to safety and Blanchett managed to block a Symes overhead kick at close range. Gradually, however, Hereford started to pass the ball around to good effect and started to close down the Accrington midfield. Pugh, King and Plummer seemed to be developing a productive understanding, and several chances were created. The game became quite open and attractive. A sublime through ball from Jones was collected by the speedy Pugh. His chip beat Dunbavin and went agonisingly wide.
After 67 mins,Plummer won a corner and played it to Marshall, whose cross to the far post was met with a thumping header from Valentine, leaving the defence no chance to clear. HUFC 2ACCY 0.
Shortly after, another incisive move ended with a far post header from Pugh, which was kept out by a combination of keeper and upright. As the minutes ticked by, chances were created at either end, and the Bulls mindful of their recent late horror shows, were relieved to hear the final whistle.
FT HUFC 2 ACCY 0
HEREFORD: Bartlett Green D Jones Blanchett Valentine Pugh Gwynne Lunt Marshall King Jackson (Plummer 35).
ACCRINGTON STANLEY: Dunbavin Lees (Murphy 86) Kempson Edwards Winnard Turner (Kee 60) Joyce Proctor Miles (King 75) Symes Grant
An encouraging performance. Our midfield looked more combative, and a plethora of chances were created.
Ledburybull.
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Away At Kings Lynn On Saturday February 15th Kick Off 3.00pm