Bulls start Christmas campaign on a high

Festive Spirit Before Kick-Off

Ahead of today’s game against Cambridge, Martin Foyle made two changes from the side that lost to Nuneaton a fortnight ago, with Chris Bush and the recalled Chris Sharp coming into the team for Danny Leadbitter and Eric Odhiambo respectively. Leadbitter was out due to being suspended for two matches by the FA, after allegedly squirting water from his drinks bottle at Lincoln supporters.

Hereford started the encounter on the front foot, having the greater amount of possession whilst pressurising the U’s defence. Michael Rankine had the first opportunity of the game; after Bush received a long crossfield ball, he set Rankine up for a goal attempt, but after carrying the ball into the danger area, his shot was blazed over the bar.

Chris Sharp Back In The Starting Eleven

The Bulls continued to hold the upper hand throughout the first period, with the returning Chris Sharp forcing visiting keeper Chris Maxwell to make a fine save to deny Hereford the opener.

It's Going In

Cambridge were amid a period of possession when Rankine latched onto a poor pass from the Cambridge defence  and sent a low, left footed shot past Maxwell and into the goal via the far post.

Rankine Celebrates His Goal

The first half came to an end with Hereford still creating the better chances and deservedly wet in with there one goal advantage still intact .

HT: Hereford 1 – Cambridge 0

The game restarted in the same, lively manner with United still pushing forward and pressurising the U’s defensive line. Artus and Sharp did well on the left to win a corner; Lathrope took the corner but it sailed through the box, with everyone failing to get that illusive touch.

Rankine and Evans combined well to create another goal opportunity for the hosts. After winning the ball on the left, Rankine crossed the ball to the awaiting Evans, whose shot was initially blocked by the U’s defence, and his second attempt cleared the cross bar comfortably.

Lloyd-Weston was rarely troubled throughout, but he was put under some pressure when Cambridge managed to get two shots away, which were both too high to trouble the Hereford keeper. Almost straight after the U’s chances, Loanee Evans worked hard to get around his man and carry the ball into the box and force Maxwell to make a diving save.

Evans was then replaced with Dan Walker 22 minutes from time after a clash heads which saw Evans receive attention from the Hereford physio and leave the field of play. As soon as Walker came onto the pitch, he created a chance for himself but Maxwell came and claimed the ball from Walker’s feet.

U's Keeper Maxwell Collects In Front Of Dan Walker

Dom Collins was given a yellow card from referee Swabey after a tackle on Gillies. The resulting free kick just outside the box was eventually cleared by the Hereford back four. The U’s kept battering Hereford’s defence without success, as Adam Cunnington hit Cambridge’s best chance of the game into the side netting.

Hereford were happy to play defensively as they saw the game out, to get their first win in almost a month.

Captain Luke Graham And Rod McDonald

FT: Hereford 1 – Cambridge 0

Att: 1,558 with a meagre 178 in the away enclosure

MOTM: HUST's poll selected Goalscorer Michael Rankine

Hereford: Lloyd-Weston, Bush, Collins, Graham, McDonald, Artus, O’Keefe, Lathrope, Rankine, Evans (Walker 68’), Sharp. Subs not used: Gwynne, Edwards, Odhiambo, Brown.

Cambridge: Maxwell, Taylor, Roberts (Tait 56’), Coulson, Miller (Spillane 74’), Gillies, Berry, Dunk, Champion, Arnold (Sam-Yorke 46’), Cunnington. Subs not used: Brown, Bonner.

With the recent news on the precarious finances at Edgar Street, it was pleasing to see such a strong performance today, resulting in Cambridge slipping to only their second loss this season. Many supporters felt Chris Sharp improved the quality of today’s game and was greatly missed when he was at Lincoln. It was also good to see supporters stay to clap their team as well as leave the Street with a smile on their face, after Hereford’s hard work and commitment paid off to grab the three points from today’s game. 

More of the same on Boxing Day please – see you there.

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