Shot-shy Bulls draw opening match

SeeBlocker watched the game for Bulls News

First match nerves appeared to effect Martin Foyles men in today's opening Skrill Premier game against Braintree this afternoon and they had to come from a goal down to scrape a second period response to earn a single point.

Rhys Evans Was The Busier Keeper - Pictures Taken By Andy Compton Of The Hereford Journal

Braintree attacked the Meadow End in the first half and their first real effort on goal came from the unlikely source of goalkeeper McDonald, a long punt up field bounced over Evans who had to back-pedal rapidly to tip the shot over the bar. Three consecutive corners were to follow taken by captain Davis, and the 3^rd was headed into his own net by Sam Smith to make the score 1-0 after just 8 minutes.

The goal was followed by a minutes applause in memory of ex-bull Adam Stansfield.

A Braintree free kick followed minutes later and the initial chance was dealt with by Graham but the second effort was well saved by an impressive Evans.  Braintree kept pressuring the Bulls’ defence with a series of free kicks and throw-ins. Most were dealt with by the Hereford defence.

A good chance came for Hereford when Rankine broke away from midfield and laid the ball off to O’Keefe who was challenged and the ball was cleared.

More goal-worthy opportunities were to follow when Leadbitter ran down the left wing to provide a good cross which flashed across the face of goal and Rankine and Smith both failed to get on the end of it.  Two minutes later, Bush was involved in a controversial free kick decision for which he received a yellow card. From the free kick the ball was played into the box and was cleared for a corner, which was cleared comfortably.

Rankine Over Keeper Smith

On the stroke of half time, a good ball from Smith to Rankine saw him one on one with the keeper. The ball went out for a corner as Rankine who went over the keeper half heartedly appealed for a penalty. The effort from the corner was sent high and wide by James.

HT: 0-1

The second half started the same as the first with Braintree having the bulk of play.

A shot from 30 yards out saw Evans push it wide. Nothing could be made of the 2 subsequent corners.

A long throw from Bush was met by McDonald but his effort looped over the bar. Two substitutions were made by Foyle with Sharp and Pilkington coming on for Purdie and Smith.

The Bulls continued to concede free kicks given by fussy referee Bankes; fortunately nothing came of them.

Dan Walker Scores His First Goal For The Bulls

Dan Walker managed to cancel out Smith’s own goal when he headed in an accurate cross by Rankine at the far post from 2 yards. This proved to be highlight of the game.

Players Celebrate The Goal

In the last 10 minutes, Leadbitter found Rankine whose persistence allowed Sharp a chance on a goal. His shot was blocked and went out for a corner. From the corner, a low driven cross was delivered into the box, but was cleared.  In the last few minutes, pressure on Braintree’s defence increased, but no significant chances were created by the Bulls.

FT: 1-1

Att: 2033 with 25 in the away enclosure.

The sponsors’ man of the match was Rhys Evans.

Overall, Hereford were lucky to get a draw from a game which is probably best forgotten. Two back to back away games follow, so hopefully our away form will match last season's.

Hereford:  Evans, Leadbitter, Graham, McDonald, Bush, Purdie (Sharp, 56), James, O'Keefe, Walker, Rankine, Smith (Pilkington, 56). 
Unused subs: Collins, Edwards and Artus

Braintree:  McDonald, Peters, Wells, Massey, Habergham, Isaac, Paine, Davis, Mulley (Daley, 41), Marks, Holman (Enver-Marum, 72). 
Unused subs: Hamann, Symons and Sparkes

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