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Saturday, November 27, 2021

Gowling Interviewed After Trophy Defeat


Hereford manager Josh Gowling spoke to the local media after being knocked out of the FA Trophy on penalties by Kidderminster.

"I think first half we didn't implement the game plan we worked on in training on Thursday," said Gowling.

"That gave them a bit too much space in the center of the pitch.

"We did what we were supposed to do second half and I thought second half we dominated the game. So probably a tale of two halves really.

"Disappointed."

Kidderminster have scored a lot of goals recently but Hereford's defence stood firm.

"I think that's credit to us. I think teams realise that they can't be too expansive against now because of the threats we have in the team. So they are a bit more direct, balls in behind.

"First half they did really well, second half I think we kind of took over and the impetus was in our favour especially kicking down the slope.

"Credit to them, they came with a game plan and ended up winning on penalties. But I'm disappointed with that first half. "

Once again Gowling wasn't over pleased with some of the referee's decisions.

"I taking about them every week but Krystian been booked for someone kicking him in the eye, Dan Smith has been booked after being pushed in the chest.

"The penalty they saved, we've watched it on the video, he's a good yard off his line and that wasn't the first penalty.

"You just want officals to come here and do their job. At the moment we're just not getting that which is really frustrating when we end up losing the game on penalties.

"If he's on his line he might not get his hand down to this one and it goes in the back of the net. He's a yard off his line saves it and we end up losing the game on penalties.

"Penalties are a lottery. We were fortunate last year to win at Aldershot.

"But some of the things we gave today you just think what have you seen and the yellow cards he dished out for seemingly nothing is just beyond me."

In open play there was little between the sides.

"If you look where they are in the table, they are a good side, they've got good rotations and they move the ball well but I think we limited that in the second half. We had a lot of possession second half and I think we dominated, got in good areas and put some good deliveries in the box.Probably should have got some more shots off.

"We worked on getting the ball down the sides a bit more, we probably went a bit too central which was a bit disappointing from that aspect. But second hall overall you wouldn't know the difference."

Conditions were difficult because of the gusty wind.

"It's difficult because when you are going direct or with clearances, goal-kicks, it was swrilling all over the place. It was difficult, conditions were hard. 

"And that's probably why we didn't see a real football match played on the ground because the wind was strong."