Improved Performance from U18's

Hereford United's under 18's were narrowly defeated by an altogether stronger and older Bournemouth side this morning at the Hereford Leisure Center.

The youngsters took the lead with a penalty in the first half. Thomas John took it and gave the Bournemouth keeper little chance.

It was the first time this season that they had taken the lead in any of their games and to go in at half-time gave the youngsters hope that they might just pull off their first victory of the season.

However Bournemouth equalised mid-day through the second period and scored the winner around ten minutes from the end.

Mention should be made of young goalkeeper, Harvey Rivers, who made his debut for the Bulls today and fully played his part in keeping the scoreline down.

After the game manager John Layton, pictured, gave his view of the proceedings.

"Good all round performance. Big marker for us today because we got to half-time without conceeding. Indeed we were a goal in front which we haven't done this season. Big plus for the lads.

"Thomas John scored the penalty. He's in the senior squad along with Nathan Perkins and Lewis Feeley.

"I had young Harvey come in today, under 16 goalkeeper, as my other goalkeeper is struggling with a knee injury."

Many of the opposing teams have been, on average, somewhat older then Hereford's this season, a point Layton emphasised.

"We are playing teams on times that might be two years older.

"It's all good experience as long as the lads don't get their heads down too much."

Amidst those watching the game were Hereford United manager Jamie Pitman and first team coach Richard Sneekes. And manager John Layton was assisted by 'your club' Dan Connor.

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