Hereford FC won the big game in the EVO-STIK
League Southern Division One South & West on Saturday against
Salisbury FC to move nine points clear at the top of the table, writes
Pitchero's Steve Whitney.
In front of a terrific crowd of 2,816, the Bulls took an early fourth minute lead through Rob Purdie and were 2-0 up by the 10th minute, thanks to Mike Symons` penalty. Tommy Wright reduced the deficit after 24 minutes but Steve Claridge`s side were done for when Jamie Molyneux added the Bulls` third on the hour-mark.
To add to Hereford`s joy, second-placed Evesham United were beaten 2-1 at Taunton Town, whose Matty Wright bagged both goals in the 13th and 53rd minutes, with Paul Fahy replying 15 minutes from time.
Taunton`s neighbours Tiverton Town are now second after they edged a seven-goal thriller at Ladysmead against mid-table Wimborne Town.
Luke Holmes gave the Magpies a second minute lead that Levi Landricombe cancelled out 14 minutes later. Dan Cann restored the visitors` lead after 24 minutes, only for Landricombe to level again less than two minutes later.
Landricombe completed a first half hat-trick to send the hosts into the break in front, only for Toby Holmes to level matters on 57 minutes. Tom Bath made it 4-3 on the hour-mark and, surprisingly, that`s how it remained.
Mangotsfield United are fourth after a 3-1 win at Fairfax Park against bottom-markers Bridgwater Town, courtesy of a brace from Olly Mehew and one from Lewis Powell, Tom Richens replying.
Shortwood United slipped up in fifth, however, going down to a 3-1 home defeat to Bishops Cleeve, whose Harlie Price bagged a brace either side of a Jacob Davidge effort – Adam Price having equalised just before the break.
Sixth-placed Swindon Supermarine couldn`t take full advantage after being held to a 0-0 draw at Paulton Rovers, while North Leigh, with games in hand after their cup exploits, were 2-1 home winners over Bideford, courtesy of James Murphy and Matt Sysum after Sean Downing had given the Devonians a 34th minute lead.
Second-bottom Wantage Town shared a 202 draw at third-bottom AFC Totton, whose Neil Williams equalised in stoppage time after Dan Sadler`s 18th minute opener had been cancelled out by Marley Ridge two minutes later and Mark Francis had restored the Alfredians lead in the 37th minute.
Winchester City won 3-1 at Barnstaple Town with goals from Stuart Green, Craig Feeney and Howard Neighbour, Jack Jenkins on target for Barum.
Elsewhere, Jack Ball was on target twice for Yate Town at home to Didcot Town, as was Ben Whitehead for the Railwaymen, with Kyle Thomas adding the other for the Bluebells to win it 3-2.