REPORT: Good performance by Bulls in home draw versus Cheltenham

A strong performance by Hereford saw the Bulls claim a very creditable 2-2 draw against League Two side Cheltenham Town at Edgar Street tonight.

For large periods of the game, Hereford matched their opponents with plenty of chances created, offering much needed hope for the season ahead.

Twice the Bulls had to come from behind, with Reece Styche and Jordan Cullinane-Liburd getting on the score sheet.

Again, Head Coach Marc Richards deployed a 3-5-2 formation, with Cullinane-Liburd, Josh Gowling and Martin Riley playing in a three-man partnership at the back.

Jason Pope also started, but had to be withdrawn after only 16 minutes due to injury. 

And three minutes later, Hereford found themselves behind when Will Boyle lashed the ball home following a corner.

Hereford had a chance to equalise in the 33rd minute when good work from Simeon Maye set up Rowan Liburd, but after rounding the ball past Scott Flinders, Grant Horton was on hand to to clear it off the line. 

However, Hereford did get on level terms four minutes before the break. Jordan Nicholson did well to chase the ball down and passed to Liburd. The Bulls striker in turn set up Styche, who calmly lofted the ball over Flinders.

But there was still time for Cheltenham to restore their advantage on the stroke of half time. Former Hereford striker George Lloyd lashed the ball home after Bulls keeper Brandon Hall saved well from Chris Clements.

The second half saw a number of substitutions made, particularly by the away side. But the 648 fans who were in attendance still witnessed an entertaining game, with Hereford performing very well.

After missing a free header six minutes after the break, Cullinane-Liburd made no mistake with a simple header from a corner in the 53rd minute.

Later in the half, Styche almost put Hereford ahead, but his 70th minute curling effort struck the outside of the post.

Overall, the Hereford fans will have gone home happy with the team's performance, with the strike partnership of Liburd and Styche looking more livier up front.

Next up is a local game away to West Midlands Division Town outfit Ludlow FC on Saturday, before Wolves' Under-23 side come to Edgar Street next Wednesday for Ryan Green's testimonial.

Hereford: Hall, Pope (Jagger Cane 16), Riley, Thomas, Cullinane-Liburd, Gowling, Nicholson (Finn 73), Maye (Davies 87), Liburd (Bishop 79), Styche (Symons 73), Trialist. Subs not used: Kamilo, Austin-Davies, Powell.

Attendance: 648 (66 away fans).