Hereford made a trip to the Forest of Dean today to play Hellenic Premier side Lydney Town. Manager Peter Beadle made several changes from the side that defeated Pegasus with trialists Jamal Lawrence and Ben Deakins starting the match. John Mills returned to the bench following an injury.
Hereford started brightly but the Lydney defence dealt with the early attacks. Hereford's first shot on target came from a corner but Anthony Robbins shot was easily collected by the goalkeeper. Hereford continued to press for an opener and finally with around 20 minutes played trialist Deakin broke into the box before releasing a shot that was parried by the keeper only for Rory Huntbach to react and slot it home from close range.
Hereford continued to have the upper hand and it was the other trialist Lawrence who started to come into the game as the half progressed. He came close with one shot but it was saved by the keeper and then another went wide but finally a low shot from just inside the box beat the keeper and landed in the bottom corner to double the lead.
Hereford continued to dominate as half time approached with Deakin getting some good crosses in but they were dealt with easily by the home sides defence and goalkeeper. Hereford did come close with a tame shot from Robbins following a defensive mix up which was easily saved and Jamie Cuss came close with a header that went wide but he was flagged offside.
Half time: Lydney Town 0-2 Hereford
The second half start with Hereford staying in control and having most of the possesion but they were unable to create any chances within the early stages until changes were made around 15 minutes in. Beadle decided to make six substitutions and within moments of coming on Pablo Haysham flicked a ball onto Mills who got past a defender before releasing a shot passed the Lydney keeper to extend Hereford's lead.
Lydney pulled a goal back when one of their players ran from within his own half and passed three Hereford players before slotting the ball around an on-rushing Alex Harris.
A worrying sight towards the end of the second half match saw Jamie Edge leave the pitch following a tackle and he was replaced by UITC youngster Lewis Clarke. Young goalkeeper Max Harris also came on late on.
Hereford continued to press and extended the lead with around five minutes left as Mills beat one defender and released a shot that deflected off another defender and past the goalkeeper to make it 4-1.
A minute later Staley ran down the wing and crossed the ball, only for the goalkeeper to fumble and knock the ball into the net for 5-1. In injury time Symons passed to Mills who then got past two defenders before hitting a shot past the goalkeeper to make it 6-1.
A minute later Staley ran down the wing and crossed the ball, only for the goalkeeper to fumble and knock the ball into the net for 5-1. In injury time Symons passed to Mills who then got past two defenders before hitting a shot past the goalkeeper to make it 6-1.
Final score: Lydney Town 1-6 Hereford
Attendance: 850
A warm welcome was provided by the hosts and their new stand opened by Peter Beadle. Next up for The Bulls is a trip to Welsh Division One new boys Undy Athletic on Tuesday evening.
Hereford: Alex Harris, Purdie, Barker, Summers, Edwards, Deakin, Robbins, Edge, Lawrence, Huntbach and Cuss. Subs: Staley, Mills, Symons, Tumelty, Haysham, Max Harris, Clarke, Birch.