Mon Diop Seals Win At Totton

Serge Mor Diop Tries a Shot

Two goals from striker Serge Mor Diop ensured Hereford United progressed to the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy this afternoon at Totton.

Referee Jacecko Leads Out The Teams

The game took place on a bright afternoon at a relatively new stadium close to the M27. Much easier to find than Banbury last Tuesday evening.

As predicted manager Jon Taylor made several changes to his starting eleven. There were recalls for Daniel O'Reilly, Bilal Yafai and Aboudaker Kone with Louis Cutajar dropped to the bench and Obi Onyeike (away) and Dan Sullivan (cup-tied) both missing.

New signing Amick Ciani was also on the bench.

Totton kicked-off and started the brighter of the two teams. But despite several corners, Luke Williams only had one real save to make before half-time, a shot from 20 yards by Kyle O'Brien, which he did well to tip away from goal for a corner.

Bilal Yafal Gets The Ball Past Liam Hibberd

Then, against the run of play, Hereford went ahead on 35 minutes. After an attack down the Hereford right the ball fell to Bilal Yafal. The Totton keeper, Steve Mowthorpe, appeared to misjudge the situation and Yafal passed the ball to Serge Mon Diop who netted from no more then three yards out.

Yafal Congratulates Mor Diop On His Goal

The second half started with Hereford gaining more possession and it looked as though it wouldn't be long before they scored again. However it wasn't until the 69th minute that they doubled their advantage.

By this time substitute Amick Ciani was on the field replacing Steve Vetier and it was a cross by Ciani that led to the ball. Mowthorpe failed to deal with it and once again Mor Diop was on hand to poke in from close range.

 A Cross from Amick Ciani (On Left) Led To Ser Diop's Second Goal

It looked all over but three minutes later Totton narrowed with gap with the goal of the game.

O’Brien controlled a ball and moved it towards Craig Feeney who blasted the ball into the top corner from around 25 yards with Williams well-beaten.

Consolation Goal For Totton

A few minutes later Diop should have completed a hat-trick but he skied the ball when well placed.

So after two cup defeats this season, Hereford have made round two in the Trophy. They find out their opponents on Monday.

Hereford XI: Williams, Roberts, O'Reilly, Hawker, Gascoigne, Gordon, Vetier, Bobes-Gilroy, Mor Diop, Yafal, Kone.

Subs: Cutajar, Oyibo, Fortnam-Tomlinson, Farmer, Ciani.

The attendance was 343 with around 40 following Hereford. There was no sign of either 'owner' Tommy Agombar or chairman Andy Lonsdale. However Agombar was kept updated throughout the game by a supporter.

 

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