Kettering Town were unbeaten at home so far this season prior to visit of Hereford on Tuesday evening, with Pete Beadle's side claiming a crucial victory in their quest for a third consecutive promotion. Goals from Eliot Richards, John Mills and Mike Symons helped the Bulls to close the gap at the top of the table to six points with four games in hand.
As expected, Pete Beadle made changes to the side for the third game in six days. Among the seven changes, Hereford's top goalscorer John Mills started in favour of Lance Smith, with Jimmy Oates and Dan Preston making way for Dara O'Shea and Ryan Green.
At a murky Latimer Park, the first action of the evening was the opening goal with seven minutes on the clock. Mike Symons utilised the right wing on a particularly wide pitch, feeding the ball through a crowded penalty area to Eliot Richards at the far post. The former Merthyr midfielder made no mistake in turning home Symons' cross for his first goal since joining the club.
The hosts were quick to look for an equaliser and came close as they had a goal disallowed. Ben Milnes' powerful strike left Martin Horsell well-beaten in goal for Hereford, but he was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up.
Horsell was called into action in the 15th minute and he somehow managed to tip an effort from point-blank range over the crossbar.
As the half progressed, Hereford began to dominate the game and were allowed plenty of time on the ball by the Poppies. The lively Keyon Reffell caused problems for Kettering down the right, and set up John Mills with a decent chance. The Hereford marksman tried his luck from the edge of the box, but his effort stung the hands of the keeper before he claimed the ball at the second time of asking.
With eight minutes to go until half time, the Bulls doubled their lead thanks to John Mills. With goalkeeper Paul White off his line, cool as ever Mills lifted the ball over Kettering's stopper from an acute angle to become the league's current leading goalscorer.
HT: Kettering Town 0 – Hereford 2
Billy Murphy, who has impressed since signing from Bath City, was replaced by Pablo Haysham at the break after picking up a knock. Despite Hereford playing down the slope towards the travelling supporters, it was the Poppies who were first to threaten. A superb headed clearance off the line from Dara O'Shea saw Rene Howe denied, and from the resulting corner, a goalmouth scramble eventually ended in Horsell smothering the ball.
Kettering continued to press for a goal, and Aaron O'Connor came close midway through the second half with a strike that hit the side netting. But nine minutes from time, O'Connor found the target. A long throw into the box was smashed home by the former Newport County striker to give the hosts a lifeline.
The glimmer of hope didn't last long, as captain Brett Solkhon was given his marching orders after being deemed the last man after bringing Mike Symons down 20-yards out.
Pablo Haysham stepped up to take the free kick, but his curling effort down towards the far post was well-saved by the keeper.
The Bulls regained their two goal lead in the 89th minute as Mike Symons fired home. After replacing John Mills, substitute Lance Smith managed to chase down a long ball on the left wing and just kept it from going out. His subsequent cross was palmed away by the keeper, but the ball fell nicely to Mike Symons who made no mistake from 12-yards.
Keeper Paul White was then booked for his protests to the linesman, claiming the ball had gone out before Smith crossed into the box.
FT: Kettering Town 1 – Hereford 3
Att: 909 with 263 in the away section
It was a good win for Hereford last night against one of their promotion rivals on a far from perfect playing surface. Ultimately the Poppies weren't clinical enough in front of goal and paid the price.
Hereford: Horsell, O'Shea, Green, Deaman (c), Pring, Richards, Murphy, Dinsley, Reffell, Symons, Mills.
Subs: Preen, Haysham, Smith, Preston, Harris.
Kettering: White, Thomas, Toseland, Solkhon, Mulligan, Richens, Stohrer, O'Connor, Howe, Millnes, Hoenes.
Subs: Akindi, Bateman, Stevens, Meikle, Snow.
Next Game: Chesham United Away on Saturday 23rd December at 3pm