BN's London Correspondent watched Tuesday Night's Game between Chesham and Hereford.
Following a lovely pint of "The Generals" by the Marlow Brewery in the clubhouse overlooking the pitch, we took a place under the stand opposite the main stand to watch my first game of the season. The game got off to a frantic start with some neat touches between the Hereford front three causing the Chesham back line a number of problems. However it was the hosts who took the lead after eight minutes as Bell picked up a partial cleared free kick and cut back in from the left to fire it towards the goal where a deflection took it beyond the helpless Williams in the Hereford goal.
After this set back for Hereford enjoyed plenty possession without unduly troubling the Chesham the back four, which were expertly marshalled by the experienced Darren Purse all night. Diop twice fired narrowly wide for Hereford and the wingers both fired a number of dangerous crosses without finding anyone. It was in fact Chesham who almost scored again as their striker Blake was fouled bearing down of the Hereford centre backs in the 40th minute. From the resulting free kick Williams did well to turn a fierce shot onto the bar, with the ball rebounding to safety.
1-0 h/t
At the start of the second half Gore, in Chesham's goal, had to be smart as he turned a scruffed shot past the post, but for the next 30 minutes the hosts took control of the game. The lively Thomas up front forced Williams into a number of saves before the pressure finally took its toll. A cross from the right, after a corner was cleared, controlled by the other Chesham centre Brown who then promptly smashed home from twelve yards giving the Hereford goalkeeper no chance after 58 minutes.
After the second goal Chesham looked to hit Hereford on the break with their two strikers and a man deployed in behind them to exploit the space created by Hereford's 4-3-3 formation. Williams again proved Hereford's savior as he saved from Thomas and Blake on numerous occasion including a one-on-one the Chesham man should have buried.
Then for the last 20 minutes, Hereford showed what could have been as they found another gear. A number of shots were directed at Chesham's goal forcing Gore into at least three very good saves and one header from a corner being cleared off the line at the back post. But it was Chesham who had the last say with more space appearing in the Hereford back line. Blake ran the ball out of his own half before switching the ball beautiful across to the other flank for Pearce. The winger then took the ball forward before playing a two-one with Thomas and putting himself clear on goal where he made no mistake from 15 yards with his left foot.
3-0 f/t
Chesham fully deserved their victory and the game was played with a good tempo with both sides looking to play a passing game. Overall I felt Chesham seemed a little more streetwise and Hereford a little naive. Out of the attendance of 232 I counted around 12 Hereford fans and I didn't see any Hereford "officials".
MOM Hereford keeper Williams