Youthful Bulls denied by experienced St Neots

Jon Taylor’s newly assembled squad entertained the Edgar Street attendees this afternoon but eventually went down to second half goals from Matthew Nolan on the hour mark and a late tap in following a fine penalty save by Luke Williams.

The Bulls announced a squad of young players all making their debuts while the St Neots team included several players with years of experience.  United attacked the Meadowend in the first half and showed understandable nerves in the opening period.  Ten to fifteen minutes into the game the nerves calmed and some very decent passing football came to the fore.

A teasing cross from the left supplied by the impressive Javia Roberts was headed back across goal by Bilal Yafai but Sam Akinde’s close range header was held by visiting keeper Nathan Abbey (former Luton, Chesterfield).  Yafai combined well with Salvi Ramirez for the latter to drag a shot just wide of the upright.

For St Neots’ Lewis Hillard headed over when well placed and was off target with an attempt from the edge of the box.

United were growing into the game and drew applause with several well crafted moves with Yafai and Ramirez prominent in midfield.  Javia Roberts playing as a stand-in fullback showed potential in his preferred winger role when getting forward on the left flashing a low drive just wide of the far post.

Half time arrived without a goal but with The Bulls probably having shaded a good 45 minutes of football

HT 0-0

St Neots got the ball into the net early in the second period but the “goal” was disallowed for a clear offside.

Matt Spring who played 30 games for Wycombe last season fouled Deqwon Eubanks just outside the box but Roberts’ free kick was charged down and the ball was cleared. 

The visitors introduced Matt Nolan and, on the hour, he ran onto a through ball to slot past Luke Williams. 

With Hereford having had the better of the first half exchanges, the visitors added to their game with some useful substitutions and the extra physical strength proved a telling factor as the second period progressed although the late addition of Sam Bobes Gilroy gave United fresh impetus.

As the game entered added time Josh Oyibo caught Nathan Frater as he broke into the box and the referee pointed to the spot.  Luke Williams dived to save but Frater reacted quickly to fire home the loose ball.

FT Bulls 0 St Neots 2

Overall this was a more than decent first showing from a squad still waiting for registration clearance for several players and it was no surprise that the players were given a standing ovation for their efforts as they left the field.

For those unable to attend today, there will be another chance to check out this group of players when Hereford United take on Slough Town on Tuesday night – KO 7.45.

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