Bulls' Season Still Alive

Kingsley James Equalised For The Bulls On 29 Minutes

After Hereford failed to get a result from the ‘must-win’ game against Tamworth on Friday, it was left until today for United to get that elusive goal. After Leadbitter was subbed due to a nasty injury at Tamworth, Rob Purdie swapped full-back positions which allowed Chris Bush to enter the starting XI at his usual left-back spot.

With the Bulls kicking off attacking the Blackfriars End, an early chance fell to the feet of the young Jarrod Bowen. Rob Purdie sent the ball long up to Bowen, who made a spirited run into Alfreton’s box before turning to get his shot away; unfortunately for the youngster he scuffed his hot and the ball sailed harmlessly wide.

Despite the spirited start by the Whites, it was the Reds who drew first blood. Andrai Jones pumped the ball up the right channel to John Akinde. After getting passed Chris Bush, Daniel Lloyd-Weston came out to narrow the angle, but Akinde coolly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper to put Alfreton one up. 

After the goal, Hereford didn’t look deflated as has been the case during the season, but instead took the Bull by the horns and looked pull back level. Bush took his throw short to Bowen, before getting around his man and getting a shot away from the left. His shot bounced off the crossbar to give Hereford hope.

Billy Murphy, who has been a regular feature in the last few games, picked up what looked to be an injury after 28 minutes, so was replaced by Jamie Edge.

After just over 60 seconds on the pitch, Jamie Edge lifted the spirits of the crowd setting up fellow midfield Kingsley James with a goal-worthy opportunity. After receiving the ball from Edge just outside the area, James got around his marker and then the keeper, so he could slot the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net, to give him his 2nd goal in 4 games. 

Kingsley James Scored  Hereford's First Goal

With Alfreton putting pressure on the Hereford back four in the box, Dom Collins won back possession and released Jarrod Bowen down the right wing. He teamed up well with Smith, as the pair attempted a one-two, but Smith’s pass was agonisingly too far ahead of the 17 year old and Wildsmith gathered the ball easily.

Utility player Rob Purdie found Michael Rankine in box with his cross, and Rankine’s powerful overhead kick forced Joe Wildsmith to make a save, but he could only just get his fingers on it to tip the ball out for an Artus corner. Artus picked out Smith with his corner, who headed the ball out wide to Bowen, a low cross into the centre of the box into a group of bodies, and Alfreton’s stopper managed to grab the ball before a Hereford player could get a shot away.

In the 2 minutes of injury time, Hereford won a late corner. Artus took the corner short to Edge, whose cross met with the head of Rankine, but his attempt was well wide of the target and rounded off the first half.

HT: Hereford 1 – Alfreton 1

Hereford were straight out the blocks at the start of the second period, gaining possession seconds after Alfreton kicked off. Some good link up play by the Bulls meant Frankie Artus was in enough space in the 18-yard box to test the Alreton keeper. His powerful left-footed strike could only be palmed away by Wildsmith, but Alfreton’s defence quickly steered the ball away from any further danger.

Bowen looked intent on delivering the ball into the heart of the box, but Michael Hoganson fouled the youngster and gave away a free kick. Purdie took the free kick into the heart of the area, but Bowen’s header was caught safely by Wildsmith.

Sam Smith found himself in possession down the flank. The striker carried the ball to the edge of the box before trying his luck, but his shot was deflected out for a corner. Artus’ corner found the head of Bowen but his header from a difficult angle was tipped over for another corner. The second time luck was on Hereford’s side and after Artus had delivered the ball nicely into the 6-yard box, Dom Collins’ powerful stooping header hit the back of the net to put United in front.

Dom Collins's Header Put The Bulls In Front

And Then Runs To The Len Weston Stand to Celebrate

Good work on the right by Kingsley James saw him cross the balls to Jarrod Bowen who hit an unstoppable shot past Wildsmith to give Hereford their 3rd goal of the game and his first senior goal. 

Jarrod Bowen's Left Footed Shot

But after jumping into the open arms of the Meadow End, referee Justin Amey showed him a yellow. 

Celebration Time For Bowen

Minutes later Jarrod was down with what looked like cramp. Pete Beadle replaced him with Jon Brown with the youngster leaving the field of play to a standing ovation.

The longest 20 minutes of the season then followed for the home fans, and Alfreton kept the pressure on United’s defence. But just after Michael Rankine was replaced by Cory Williams, Alfreton netted their second to close the gap. Amongst some confusion at the back, John Akinde shot from the centre of the box and the ball nestled into the top corner of the net.

With 7 minutes left to play, including 4 for injuries and stoppages, United clung on to their one goal lead to take the relegation battle into the last game of the season.

FT: Hereford 3 – Alfreton 2

Att: 2,445 with 85 from Alfreton

Sponsors’ MotMs: Jamie Edge and Jarrod Bowen

Hereford: Lloyd-Weston, Bush, James, Graham, Purdie, Smith, Collins, Rankine (Williams 86’), Artus, Bowen (Brown 77’), Murphy (Edge 28’). Subs not used: Walker, Edwards.

Alfreton: Wildsmith, Westwood, Kempson, Law, Shaw (Poku 63’), Bradley, Meadows (Harrad 63’), Akinde, Rowe-Turner, Jones, Hoganson. Subs not used: Franklin, Clayton, Worsnop.

This was the Bulls best performance of the season considering the pressure the players were under to get a win.

It was not just the fact that we scored 3 goals, but it was the manner in which they were scored which was very pleasing - all 3 were well worked goals.

If they play like they did today against the Shots next week, we have a real chance of getting a win.

See you ALL at Aldershot.

Come on Salisbury.

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