Nicholson the star man again as the Bulls see off Kettering

A fantastic strike from Jordan Nicholson saw Hereford beat Kettering Town 1-0 this afternoon to remain undefeated at home in National League North this season.

Nicholson curled the ball home in the 67^th minute just minutes after Kettering had a goal disallowed.

Hereford manager Russell Slade made two changes from the team that beat Truro 5-2 in last week’s FA Cup tie – Rowan Liburd and Jacob Jagger Cane coming in for Tommy O’Sullivan and Simeon Maye.

Former player Mike McGrath lined up for Kettering, while joint caretaker manager Luke Graham, who was at Hereford United, lined up at the back.

McGrath was perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch following a dangerously high challenge on Reece Styche, but referee Dean Watson felt that a yellow card was sufficient.

Hereford forced a number of set pieces in the first half without truly testing away keeper Paul White. 

However, the Kettering captain did have tip Nicholson’s fizzing effort over the bar five minutes before the break.

Into the second half and Aaron O'Connor headed against the bar for Kettering, but the flag was raised for offside so it wouldn't have counted if it had gone in.

At the other end, there was good build-up play by Styche and Peter Vincenti, but White managed to gather the ball when Vincenti pulled it back.

Back Pass?

Styche then had a chance to open the scoring just before the hour mark, but the Bulls marksman curled his effort well over.

The Bulls striker – along with Vincenti – was withdrawn, with Slade bringing on Mike Symons and Brad Ash.

Moments later it looked like Kettering had taken the lead, but a foul on Jordan Cullinane-Liburd meant that the goal was not given.

And the away side were punished when Nicholson opened the scoring just minutes later.

Connor Kennedy headed wide from a corner deep into stoppage time for Kettering, but Hereford held on for another priceless three points.

The win takes the Bulls up to ninth place in the league, just a point off the play-off positions.

Hereford: Hall; Thomas, Cullinane-Liburd, Gowling, Bodenham; Vincenti (Ash 62), Jagger Cane, Owen-Evans, Nicholson; Liburd (Pope 87), Styche (Symons 62).

Subs not used: O’Sullivan, Finn.

Kettering: White; Stohrer, Graham, Williams, Brighton; Kennedy, McGrath (Meikle 78); Nti, Carta (Milnes 61), Kelly; O’Connor (Mitford 73).

Subs not used: Cartwright, Solkhon.

Sponsors Man of the Match: Jordan Nicholson

Attendance: 2,557 (55 away fans).