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| Jack Deaman Scored Hereford's First Goal |
With Mark Preece unavailable, Jimmy Oates started alongside Jack Deaman in the heart of defence, as youngster Harry Franklin slotted in at left-back. In midfield, Calvin Dinsley came in for Mike McGrath, and Garyn Preen for Rob Purdie.
Hereford started the brighter of the two sides as Garyn Preen had an early shot, but Preen’s speculative effort sailed wide of Andy Hannah's goal.
The Whites continued to press, and in the 15th minute they took the lead. The lively Reffell whipped a cross into the box, which ex-City defender Jack Deaman headed home unmarked at the far-post.
Five minutes later, Ethan Ross was called into action to make his first save of the game. Will Morford played the ball to Zack Kotwica, but his scuffed shot was easily gathered by Ross.
At the other end of the pitch, Spencer Hamilton was forced into conceding a corner as he cut out Preen’s cross, but Hereford couldn’t capitalise as Gloucester eventually cleared the danger.
Ten minutes from half time, the Tigers pulled themselves back level. After a quick throw-in on the right, the ball was played to Karnell Chambers in the box who struck the ball past Ross.
The visitors weren't behind for long as Lance Smith restored Hereford's lead three minutes later. The Bulls were awarded a penalty after Jack Deaman was bundled over in the 18-yard box, and Lance Smith made no mistake as he coolly dispatched the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.
HT: Gloucester City 1 - Hereford 2
Hereford's first chance of the second half came less than a minute after the restart. Lance Smith chased down a long ball before teeing up Garyn Preen, but under pressure from Gloucester's defence, Preen's weak right-footed effort was gathered by the keeper.
A ten-minute period followed without floodlights due to a power cut, but both teams were happy to continue playing in the fading daylight.
Midway through the second half, after the floodlights came back on, Hereford were reduced to ten-men. Preen's rash challenge on goalscorer Chambers was followed by handbags from both sides, with the referee showing Preen a straight red.
In the 76th minute, William Morford's well-struck shot was held by Hereford keeper Ethan Ross, who put in an improved performance after last Wednesday's defeat.
The Bulls came close to extending their slender one-goal lead, but substitute John Mills couldn't beat the keeper with his right-footed effort.
Moments later, a good run from James Bowen saw him beat two men before the Tigers conceded a corner. Calvin Dinsley was unlucky not to score against his former club as his headed effort from Haysham’s corner hit the crossbar.
Four minutes from time, Will Morford netted a second equaliser for the hosts. Joe Parker turned his man and delivered a pinpoint cross to the head of Morford who headed past Ross.
FT: Gloucester City 2 - Hereford 2
Hereford: Ross, Franklin, Bowen, Edge, Deaman, Oates, Reffell, Dinsley, Smith, Haysham, Preen.
Subs: Mills, Symons, Rush, Hayes, Richards, Harris
Gloucester City: Hannah, Thomas, Tunnicliff, Parselle, Hamilton, Forsyth, King, Mbunga, Morford, Kotwica, Chambers.
Subs: Avery, Williams, Hall, Kelly, Mehmet Ali, Parker, Hanks, Mullings, Harris
Next Game: HFA Senior Invitational Cup - Stourbridge at Home on Saturday 5th August at 3pm