Match Report - Bulls Out Of FA Cup

Tom Owen-Evans Scored Hereford's Goal

Hereford’s FA Cup run for this strange season is already over, beaten by a Stafford Rangers side who took their chances in an open and entertaining game.

Under the lights at Marston Road, Josh Gowling’s men played some entertaining football and had plenty of possession. But the lack of a striker who could turn that dominance into goals cost the Bulls against the Northern Premier side.

Hereford were without Jared Hodgkiss, Yan Klukowski, Lenell John-Lewis and Demetri Brown through injury, and non-contract player Dylan Jones was named among the substitutes.

The Bulls started well with a long range shot from Luke Haines tipped over the bar.

And then Tom Owen-Evans put Hereford ahead on 15 minutes. He controlled well to volley home after good work down the right by Dan Jones and Samir Nabi. 

Kennedy Digie almost doubled the advantage soon after but his shot was well saved.

 

But Stafford then took the game to Hereford, making it 1-1 on 28 minutes through a low drive from Joe Cuff. 

And that goal gave the home side confidence, as they had another effort cleared off the line just before half time.

Stafford continued the second half in the same way they’d finished the first, with plenty of energy, keeping Paul White on his toes in the Hereford goal.

Gowling brought on Ben Pollock as a substitute and his introduction created a spark for Hereford. He made a good run down the right flank and delivered a low ball to Owen-Evans, whose shot was punched away by the goalkeeper.

Hereford has a brilliant opportunity to take the lead with 20 minutes remaining as Haines hit a long shot goalwards, only to see it bounce off the crossbar!

But Stafford turned the game to their advantage, taking the lead with 10 minutes to go. Joe Cuff scored his second of the evening when he turned well to sneak the ball into the bottom corner with a left footed shot.

And in added time, Callum Coyle made sure for the home side. Following his long run into the box, he rounded the ‘keeper, and shot past two defenders to make it 3-1.

Hereford could’ve won this game, if they’d had a striker up front to convert the opportunities they created. Now, they concentrate on the league, while the Stafford fans sang “we are on our way to Wembley”. Well, they’re a long way off, but this victory brings them one step closer.

Hereford: White, Haines, Grimes, Camwell, Owen-Evans, Finn, Digie, McQuilkin, Lloyd, Nabi, Dan Jones. Subs: Pollock, Wright, A Jones, Hall, Dylan Jones.  

Stafford: King, Williams, Keane, Coulson, Langford, Walsh, Kenton, Harvey, Sleigh, Sebbeth-Njie, Cuff. Subs: Burns, Jones, Coyle, Nesbitt, Forrest, Hill.