Bush strike seals points for Bulls

A Very Happy Chris Bush

SeeBlocker watched the game for BN

Hereford United recorded their first win in 6 games, when an 86^th minute Bush goal separated the sides at the final whistle.

The starting XI was unchanged following the 1-1 draw with Halifax on Saturday, but Pilkington replaced Rankine on the bench.

The game was very slow to get started and Lincoln looked composed and had the bulk of possession in the first period. The Bulls however, did get the first meaningful shot on target.  Kingsley James sent a decent ball through to striker Sam Smith whose shot forced Lincoln’s keeper, Paul Farman, to react with a good save to keep the scores level.

A run down the left by Bush, saw a low-range effort sent goal-wards but was deflected out for a United corner. After the second consecutive corner, Bush was again on hand, but this time his shot was off-target and sailed over the crossbar. Other than that, the first half was a pretty dull affair, but Hereford’s midfield certainly looked stronger and more organised.

HT: Hereford 0 – Lincoln 0

The teams emerged unchanged after the break and the Bulls started more positively with both Bush and Leadbitter making more forward runs.  Brodie produced a run up the flank and got in a good cross, Lincoln’s defenders were on hand to head it away. The follow up shot was easily caught by Farman.

Lincoln followed this with a period of pressure before Foyle decided to make his first change with Walker replacing the tiring Brodie.

Walker’s first touch should’ve been a goal when managed to scoop the ball over the bar from 8 yards, when it looked easier to score; Brown had worked his way up the left wing and sent in a cross right to the feet of the advancing Walker.

One Of The Five Cards Handed Out To Lincoln Players

Lincoln received their fourth booking of the night, just before Leadbitter’s powerful effort was inches over the bar.

Danny Leadbetter

The Sponsors’ Man of the Match, Danny Leadbitter, kept pressuring the Imps’ defence, when his third attempt on goal in little over five minutes was deflected out for a corner. He again linked well with Brown on the right wing, but his shot didn’t make it through the numerous amount of bodies in the area. The Bulls’ determination finally paid off on the 86^th minute when they took the lead.

Following another determined Leadbitter run and a Hereford corner, Lincoln failed to clear the ball from the danger area. Bush got a powerful shot away and miraculously it made it through the congestion and trickled into the back of the net.

Scorer Chris Bush With The Red Boots

The Imps put the Bulls under pressure in the final few minutes, but Hereford comfortably saw out the remainder of the game.

FT: Hereford 1 – Lincoln 0

Overall, this was another improved Hereford performance, especially in midfield and although Lincoln had a lot of the ball they never really threatened Hereford’s goal. In the second half, Hereford grew in confidence and were unlucky not to have scored more than just the one goal.

Hereford: Evans, Leadbitter, Bush, McDonald, Graham, Green, James, West (Pilkington 87’), Smith, Brown, Brodie (Walker 67’). Subs not used: Collins, Gywnne, Odhiambo.

Lincoln: Farman, Miller, Newton (Dixon 72’), Boyce, Brown, Jordan, Fofana, Power, Sheridan (Fairhurst 71’), Nolan, Tomlinson (Wright 67’). Subs not used: Foster, Gray.

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