The Bulls made it mathematically certain that they will play League 2 football next season when Gavin McCallum’s brace against a dubious Michael Symes’ penalty was enough to see off Stanley in today’s encounter at The Crown Ground.
Ryan Green failed to shake off his thigh strain so Graham Turner named Keith Lowe at full back in one of four changes from the Bournemouth starting line-up. Constantine, Jervis and Sam Gwynne were replaced with Manset, Craig King and James McQuilkin.
The Bulls were quickly on the attack with McCallum getting in an early strike that went wide. Then as a neat move involving Manset and Pugh broke down, Accrington counter attacked forcing Richard Rose to concede a corner that cleared without threat. It was soon clear that the “lively” pitch was going to prevent much by way of flowing football which probably suited the hosts more direct approach. Pugh conceded a free kick which was launched in from the right but after a mighty scramble in the goalmouth, Bartlett eventually managed to gather safely.
McCallum threatened to get away on the right and was hauled down by Procter but Kenny Lunt’s free kick went harmlessly through for a goal kick. Meanwhile, at the other end, Procter missed an opportunity when he headed straight into Bartlett’s arms when well placed to score. Manset flicked a ball on to Pugh but the Bulls’ wideman hooked his effort over the bar before another Manset flick released King who fired just wide.
Then on 35 minutes Hereford took the lead. Kenny Lunt intercepted the ball in midfield and slid a trademark pass into the danger area. McCallum controlled the ball then rolled off his marker to fire low into the passed Dunbavin from just outside the box. Symes again headed wide before The Beast went close with a sharp effort.
HT Whippets 0 Bulls 1
Within a minute of the re-start, Accrington were level courtesy of a very dubious penalty award from referee Quin. The ball was played into the United box and popped up off the uneven surface striking Valentine on the arm. The Ref pointed to the spot and Symes duly despatched the ball passed Bartlett. Darren Jones continued to voice his disapproval at the decision and was cautioned for dissent.
Play swung from end to end with The Bulls still trying to take the more scientific route despite a playing surface that resembled Widemarsh Common on a hot June afternoon. Bartlett denied Symes again before coming to comfortably claim a cross from the same player as the northerners continued their aerial bombardment. The Hereford ‘keeper then had to be at his best to parry a volleyed effort from Luke Joyce and was pleased to see Grant’s attempt on the rebound sale over the bar from six yards with the goal gaping. Grant then laid a good ball off to Symes but the lethargic frontman lifted his shot over.
The much-vaunted Accy strike pairing who between them had scored 35 goals this season continued to waste opportunities through a combination of poor finishing and apparent disinterest. Manset collected a card for a high boot, which was, frankly, comical considering the battering he had received from the opposition back division during the game. GT responded by replacing both Manset and King with Constantine and Jervis to freshen the attack. Accrington got the ball in the net on a couple of occasions but both were correctly flagged off while Darren Jones was quickly across to shepherd the ball out for a gaol kick while Symes gently jogged alongside.
With the game looking like ending in a draw, The Bulls produced a gem of a goal in the third minute of Fergy-time. Lunt found Jervis just over the halfway line and the loanee quickly released Pugh on the left. The Bulls top scorer crossed to the back post and McCallum was on hand to tap home from a couple of yards out to give United a trio of hard-earned points in front of just 1420 with around 120 from The Shire.
FT Whippets 1 Bulls 2
Accrington: Dunbavin, Lees, Kempson, Edwards, Winnard, Ryan, Procter, Joyce (Kee 74), Miles (Turner 84), Grant, Symes. Subs unused: Bouzanis, McConville, Mullin, Murphy, Flynn.
Hereford: Bartlett, Lowe, Rose, D Jones, Valentine, McCallum, Lunt, McQuilkin, Pugh, Manset (Constantine 79), King (Jervis 79). Subs not used: Weir, C Jones, Gwynne, Done, Young.
Good football was at a premium because of the poor surface (do they not have water and rollers in Lancashire?) but there was plenty of effort and the final score in The Bulls favour was the right result. Bartlett performed well throughout including several clean catches from potentially dangerous crosses. The back division coped well and the Lunt/McQuilkin partnership was industrious and probing in midfield. The wide combination of Pugh and McCallum provided most of the threat but both Manset and King worked hard on what was a very difficult surface for strikers. The final away fixture of the season is at Dagenham in a fortnight. Will we see the Mexicans?