The Bulls find themselves propping up the embryonic League Two table this afternoon, creating few clear-cut chances and conceding three entirely preventable goals to a hard- working yet hardly inspirational Morecambe outfit. The return from suspension of Michael Townsend allowed Ryan Green to revert to his normal position, with Rob Purdie moving to midfield and James McQuilkin dropping to the bench. The defence looked disorganised in comparison to the performance against Brentford, prompting many to question Jamie Pitman’s decision to make such a change after the midweek win. Despite calls for goalscoring hero Yoann Arquin to start the match, Pitman wisely kept the Frenchman as an impact substitute, although the game was lost before he could provide an influence.
In the first attack of the game, the speedy Izak Reid sent over a dangerous cross which Harry Pell headed against the outside of the post in clearing for a corner. In response, Stuart Fleetwood and Pell combined to give Ryan Green the chance to cross, but the ball was claimed with ease by Barry Roche in the visitors’ goal. Townsend looked rusty as he made a clumsy challenge, allowing Danny Carlton to get in a long range effort which stung Adam Bartlett’s palms, and Joe Heath endured a torrid few minutes faced with the twisting turns of Reid. Kenny Lunt then played a careless pass out of defence, and the dependable Stefan Stam made another rescue mission. Moments later, Townsend’s back pass seemed to be underhit, though Bartlett was able to claim the ball.
Hereford then enjoyed a more settled period. Delroy Facey won a couple of towering headers, laying the ball deftly for Fleetwood who seemed to have less energy today, and did not get in a shot except for one which was blocked. Pell and Purdie showed some vision and creativity, and Joe Colbeck was a willing runner, though his crossing lacked accuracy. Purdie had a couple of long range attempts which did not threaten. At the other end, Laurence Wilson sent over a terrific ball which Stam headed deliberately over his own bar. From the resulting corner, Wilson drove the ball under Bartlett’s bar, requiring the home keeper to punch to safety.
Green’s through ball found Colbeck, whose drilled cross agonisingly evaded the attentions of first Facey and then Fleetwood as they arrived in the area. Roche then came out to hoof a clearance, which, more by luck than judgement, found a startled Danny Carlton, and his shot lacked composure. Within a minute, Carlton made amends to open the scoring. Fed by Gary McDonald, he attempted a speculative, 25 yard drive which Bartlett seemed to have covered. Inexplicably, the keeper seemed disorientated as he chose to push the ball over the crossbar, succeeding only in diverting it into the roof of the net. Phil Jevons was then given acres of space and he picked out Reid who steered his shot wide of the target. Further disaster struck just prior to the interval as Morecambe then doubled their lead. Townsend tangled with Carlton a yard outside the Bulls box and Mr Miller awarded a free kick. Despite being centrally placed, and the home side lining up an extensive barrier, Jevons managed to circumvent the wall, and the ball only encountered a despairing hand from Bartlett as it found the net.
HT: HUFC 0 MORECAMBE 2
Enlivened by the break, Hereford began the second period in style. An exquisite move involving Pell, Purdie and Green ended with green’s header being saved. Though the passing looked fairly crisp at times, and the Bulls had the lion’s share of possession for a while, they could only point to a number of corners won, and not the shots on target that the fans craved. Even the much vaunted introduction of Arquin made little difference today, and one always had the feeling that Morecambe’s more direct tactics, together with the Bulls frailty at the back would lead to further reverses.
Stewart Drummond had already had one shot from distance which whistled marginally wide, and he then positioned himself around the penalty spot to meet a 65th minute corner. Wilson’s inswinging flag kick travelled way beyond the back post where it was headed back to Drummond who buried it. 3-0, and “game over” for the deflated Bulls.
The last quarter of the game took on an air of inevitability. Nicky Featherstone entered the fray, and entertained briefly with some determined runs, and Pell showed his close control and vision, though direct attempts on goal remained at a premium. The visitors seemed content with their afternoon’s work as a stream of home fans made for an early exit. Fleetwood’s petulance emerged again, bring his second caution in as many league games. With no points, or goals to show for these matches, the Bulls find themselves in an unwelcome 24th position. Far too early to make any conclusions, of course, though if any Villa reps were on a watching brief, it seems doubtful that they will be quaking in their boots. Perhaps it is an allergic reaction to seafood- playing the Shrimpers followed immediately by the Shrimps has proved a rather unpalatable starter. Oh, and as a footnote, what happened to the idea of ballboys?
FT: HUFC 0 MORECAMBE 3
Attendance: 2045, including 89 Shrimps fans
HUFC: Bartlett, Green, Townsend, Stam, Heath, Purdie, Pell, Lunt (Featherstone 71)Colbeck, Fleetwood, Facey (Arquin 59).
MORECAMBE: Roche, Fenton, Haining, McCready, Wilson, Reid, Drummond, McDonald, Alessandra (Ellison 72), Jevons (Parrish 80), Carlton.
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