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Next Game: Banbury Away On Friday March 29th Kick-Off 3.00pm

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Hereford lose final friendly

Hereford lost their final pre-season friendly today, going down 1-0 to Chippenham Town.

Joe Hanks scored the only goal of the game in the 18th minute, firing home after former Hereford player Alex Bray saw his initial effort blocked.

There were few chances for either side during the game, and the lack of firepower will concern Bulls fans going into the season, which commences with the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round at Gosport next week.

Hereford named a strong line-up for the match, with only one trialist (former Hereford United midfielder James McQuilkin) starting. New signing Jake Wright partnered Jamie Grimes in the middle of defence, with Jared Hodgkiss and Dan Jones the full backs. Tom Owen-Evans played further up field to partner Demetri Brown, with Lenell John-Lewis only settling for a place on the bench as he battles back from injury. A further seven trialists were on the bench.

As well as Bray, fellow former Hereford FC players Will Puddy and Brad Ash also started for Chippenham, while Chris Zebroski, who was on trial with Hereford United in 2007, was on the bench.

The home side had already went close to scoring before they went ahead, while Ben Pollock had a header cleared off the line for Hereford.

McQuilkin then went close for Hereford when his effort was denied by Puddy, while at the other end, Dave Pratt rattled the post.

Kyle Finn replaced Chris Camwell for the start of the second half, while Dan Jones had to be replaced in the 50th minute after sustaining a cut above his eye. The Ben Pollock had to be withdrawn after also sustaining an injury.

Chances were few and far between for either side, but it Chippenham who almost extended their lead just before the hour mark but saw another effort by Pratt strike a post. Finn then set up a trialist to volley just wide for Hereford.

Zebroski came off the bench and had a couple of efforts on goal for the home side, while Brown shot wide for Hereford three minutes from time. The Bulls almost snatched an equaliser at the death but saw Owen-Evans' effort blocked and Chippenham held on for the win.

Hereford: White, Hodgkiss, Grimes, Wright, Jones, Pollock, Owen-Evans, Coke, Camwell, Brown, Trialist 1. Subs: John-Lewis, Raison, Klukowski, Trialist 2, Whitlock, Finn, Trialists 3-8.