Report: Evesham United 1 - Hereford 1

Hereford left it late to avoid defeat in their final preseason friendly against lower-graded opponents on Tuesday evening. Adam Hockey came off the bench to score in injury time as the Bulls managed to rescue a 1-1 draw at Southern League West side Evesham United.

Evesham lined up with two former Hereford players in their ranks, goalkeeper Harvey Rivers and defender Nathan Summers. But for Hereford, they were without trialist keeper Jahquil Hill who reportedly played for Wrexham instead.

Tom Fry, son of another ex-Bull Chris, continued his trial as he tries to earn himself a deal, with manager Pete Beadle planning on speaking to him before Saturday.

From the kick off Evesham put Hereford’s keeper Martin Horsell under immediate pressure, but the early threat didn’t amount to much as the ball harmlessly went behind for a goal kick.

Sure not to let the same thing happen again, the Bulls quickly mounted an attack, with Tom Fry’s cross left untouched by Evesham’s defence. As Lance Smith knocked the ball towards goal, Eliot Richards manage to stab it across the line but he was deemed to be offside and the goal ruled out.

Tom Fry

Fry was next to try his luck, with his shot from the edge of the edge of the box whistled just wide of the post. A shot from Harry White followed in the tenth minute, but despite looking destined for the bottom corner a defender on the line prevented the opening goal.

Other than one or two wayward passes, the Bulls generally looked composed on the ball and dominated possession in the opening 20 minutes of the game, but this soon changed as Evesham started to break down Hereford’s defence.

Martin Horsell wasn’t able to keep hold of Marley Thomas’ shot, with Sean Brain getting on the end of the loose ball in the box but the follow up effort was deflected behind for a corner. Hereford were able to organise themselves at the back to deal with the set-piece, with the Robins unable to get a touch.

Greenslade Brought Down?

Nathan Summers Holds Ryan Green

As Evesham got a foothold in the game, a chance for Ashley Williams saw his shot going inches wide of the upright. This should’ve been a warning for the visitors’ defence, but ten minutes from time they broke the deadlock.

Ewan Dunbar comfortably beat Kieran Thomas before his shot struck a post, but Cory Simpson was well-placed to tap the ball home.

HT: Evesham United 1 - Hereford 0

After a disappointing end to the first half where there didn’t look a two-division gap between the sides, the second half saw a return to the slightly more dominating play from Hereford as seen in the first 20 minutes.

Eliot Richards, Billy Murphy and Tom Fry Watch As Evesham Clear

Both sides had good chances to score goals after the restart, the best for Hereford coming from a tidy ball forward into the box from Tom Fry. Lance Smith was able to burst through the defence and latch onto Fry’s ball, but his volley was too high to trouble goalkeeper Harvey Rivers.

For the Robins, Cory Simpson was once again able to glide through Hereford’s defence, but thankfully he shot wide at the near post, failing to double the host’s lead after getting the better of Horsell.

Chances for Eliot Richards and Billy Murphy were to come, but neither could find the target with their speculative shots from distance.

Harvey Rivers Looks Back As Jamie Bird's Free-Kick Flys Over

One of the best chances for Hereford to equalise came after one of three substitutes, Jamie Bird, was brought down on the left-wing in the 69th minute, but his effort from the resulting free kick didn’t quite curl enough to sneak in at the far post.

Callum Sainty

After a spell without any real chances for either side, another trio of changes for Hereford saw Lewis Hall, the youthful Adam Hockey and Harry Franklin introduced to the action. With the clock ticking, the fresh legs seemed to result in some urgency for Hereford.

In the last ten minutes, Rivers became by far the busier of the two keepers, on hand to make two quick saves to deny Jordan Liburd after he headed Billy Murphy‘s cross towards goal and then Mike Symons’ right-footed effort.

Rivers Grabs At A Shot From Myrie-Williams

Jamie Bird then popped up with a shot that sailed over the bar two minutes later, before Rivers smothered  Jennison Myrie-Williams’ effort having linked up well with Callum Sainty.

The equaliser eventually came in the first minute of stoppage time courtesy of Adam Hockey, who is due to sign for Hereford. The keeper did well to save an shot from Myrie-Williams one-on-one, but the former Lads Club player was on-hand in the box to stab the ball home.

FT: Evesham United 1 - Hereford 1

In truth, it could have been a better performance from Hereford, but they did show they’re able to cope and fight back from falling behind, something which Pete Beadle said after the game they’ve not had to do too much over the past few seasons.

A few more additions are needed, another goalkeeper and a centre-back are the two on the manager’s list, but some fans are also questioning where the side’s goals are coming from. Despite numerous chances tonight, few were on target but perhaps it was just an off-day.

Saturday will be the first of three real tests as League 2 Newport County kick off the home friendlies against some tougher opponents.

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