Hereford FC sealed promotion and the Midland Football League with a comprehensive 4-0 away victory at Coventry Sphinx, on a cold April evening. Pablo Haysham nodded in the opener, before second half goals from Joe Tumelty, Mike Symons and Srdic Grant clinched the title in front of packed Sphinx ground.
Peter Beadle named an unchanged starting line-up, following the weekend's emphatic 8-0 victory over Heanor.
The hosts had the best early opportunity as the ball squirmed away from Grant's control, and the hosts striker lifted a shot past Martin Horsell but off-target. At the other end, Hereford threatened down both wings, with Tumelty and Grant lively, as well as the supporting full-backs of Jimmy Oates and James Bowen. A left-foot cross from Oates was glanced wide off the goal, whilst Grant struck a weak left-foot shot from 12 yards into the home keeper's arms. The opening goal of the first-half was scored in the 22nd minute; Grant kept the ball in play on the right side, and played it back to Oates. The Australian's hanging cross was met by the unmarked Haysham, who made no mistake from five yards.
 |
| Pablo Haysham Opens The Scoring |
Hereford were comfortable for the remainder of the first-half and went in a goal ahead at the break. As is usually the case, the visitors started the second period quickly, Haysham finding Grant on the right and a powerful attempt was pushed onto the post by the goalie. Moments later, Symons capitalised on a weak clearance but he was denied by the legs of the 'keeper as he tried to place his shot into the far corner.
The second goal of the evening came after a long-throw from Oates was battled for by Symons, and the ball broke loose to Tumelty, striking on the full-volley and guiding it into the back of the net from inside the area.
Further chances followed, with Haysham having an effort pushed away following a burst past the two centre halves and Symons' snaphot from 25 yards a couple of feet away from the bottom corner.
 |
| Joe Tumelty |
Further chances followed, with Haysham having an effort pushed away following a burst past the two centre halves and Symons' snaphot from 25 yards a couple of feet away from the bottom corner.
With ten minutes remaining, Hereford made the game safe, and the celebrations were in full-flow. Symons collected a pass on the edge of the box and used his body well to turn his marker, and drive towards goal before firing powerfully past the goalie from close-range.
Minutes later, Grant grabbed Hereford's fourth and his first of the season. The pace of the winger saw him ease past two defenders from deep inside the Sphinx half, and he raced into the box, before lifting a shot over the goalie, much to the delight of his team-mates.
There was nearly the cherry on top too as Oates crashed a right-foot shot against the bar after Haysham had set him up. The Australian was desperate to grab a goal; hopefully there'll be more chances at Shepshed Dynamo on the weekend.
 |
| Mike Symons With Hereford's Third |
Minutes later, Grant grabbed Hereford's fourth and his first of the season. The pace of the winger saw him ease past two defenders from deep inside the Sphinx half, and he raced into the box, before lifting a shot over the goalie, much to the delight of his team-mates.
 |
| Sirdic Grant With His First Ever Hereford Goal |
There was nearly the cherry on top too as Oates crashed a right-foot shot against the bar after Haysham had set him up. The Australian was desperate to grab a goal; hopefully there'll be more chances at Shepshed Dynamo on the weekend.
At the final whistle, there was good natured celebrations from the travelling support and the players were certainly enjoying themselves, as the jubilant scenes continued long after the final whistle.
This was a great achievement for everyone involved at the club, and is testimony, not only to the players on the pitch, but to everyone off it too. To the many volunteers through to the supports, everyone has played their part in helping our reformed club back on its way to its former glories.
Beadle spoke about the team spirit that this group of players have, and there were moments towards the end which really showed it. Firstly, the celebrations when Grant scored. Not just for the individual's reactions, but the joy of his team-mates was evident. Later on, it was the efforts of the team to try get Oates on the scoresheet. The players we have had the pleasure of seeing this season are a talented bunch, but they're also a team, and perhaps that has been the biggest pleasure this season. Seeing a clearly gifted team, ready to give their all for each other, and for their manager, and 41 league games on, being duly rewarded with the league title.
Hereford finish the season at Shepshed Dynamo on Saturday, although there is the second-leg of the Midland League Cup against Stourport Swifts at Edgar Street on Thursday. The league trophy will be presented in the evening. A week today is the HFA Cup Final against Westfields, which will hopefully serve as part two of the possible quadruple.
Hereford: Horsell, Oates, Green, Willets, Bowen, Grant, Birch, Purdie, Tumelty, Haysham, Symons.
Subs: Laird, Robbins, Pilling, Bundu, Mills.
Coventry Sphinx: Malhotra, Donnie, Haines, Dakouri, Delaney, Albrighton, Quinn, Downes, Robinson, Rankin, Koriya.
Subs: Muldoon, Rooney, Braithwaite, Grocott, Abdirahman.
Bullsnews Men of the Match: Everyone involved at Hereford FC.