REPORT: Liburd bags winner as Bulls claim vital win

Rowan Liburd answered his critics in the best possible way tonight, scoring the winning goal against AFC Telford United in a 1-0 win.

Liburd was on hand to head home in the 56^th minute after Telford goalkeeper Corey Addai could only palm the ball into his path after saving from Brad Ash.

Prior to the game, some Hereford fans had criticised Liburd’s performances in the opening three matches of the season, but to his credit, he knuckled down tonight and played well.

Ash – who started in a three-man attack alongside Liburd and Mike Symons – also looked ery lively throughout the game and deserved his man-of-the-match award.

As well as having three strikers starting, Head of Football Tim Harris – who is in caretaker charge of the team following the sacking of Head Coach Marc Richards – deployed a flat-back four in defence, with Keiran Thomas and Jared Hodgkiss the full backs.

Simeon Maye, pictured above, started in midfield, with Jordan Nicholson being dropped to the bench. There was no place in the squad for Raheem Hanley, while Reece Styche was out injured after coming off at King’s Lynn at the weekend.

Hereford started the game well, with Liburd having a couple of half chances in the opening 10 minutes. Ash also had a shot at goal in the 16^th minute, while at the other end, Brandon Hall denied Chris Tait.

The Bulls then had a great chance of opening the scoring in the 23rd minute. But Addai – who moments earlier looked like he may have had to be withdrawn after going down – did well to tip Liburd’s fizzing effort over the bar.

However, Liburd took his chance to open the scoring 11 minutes after the break. 

The game got niggly around the hour-mark, with referee Michael Barlow dishing out some yellow cards, including one for Symons. 

Telford also ended up bringing on all their three allotted substitutions, including former Hereford United player James McQuilkin, while Harris was happy with his starting XI and did not make any changes.

Hall had to be alert in the Hereford goal to deny Marcus Dinanga in the 74^th minute, but in truth, the Bulls looked comfortable throughout the game and should have won the game more comfortably.

After everything that has gone on in the past few days, a win, and more importantly a good performance, was needed tonight. And Hereford produced both.

Next up is the arduous trek to the north east to take on a Blyth Spartans side who have started the season poorly. Hereford will go into the game in confident mood that they can pick up another three points.

Sponsors Man of the Match: Bradley Ash

Hereford (4-4-3) Hall; Thomas, Cullinane-Liburd, Gowling, Hodgkiss; Owen-Evans, Maye, Jagger Cane; Ash, Liburd, Symons.

Telford (4-4-2): Addai, Street, Sutton, White, Morley; Lait (Brown 70), Walker (McQuilkin 62), Deeney (Cowans 62), Knights; Williams, Dinanga. Subs not used: Tharme, Royle.

Attendance: 2,440 (124 away fans).