Luton At Edgar Street

This weekend Luton won their first Premier League match. Ten seasons ago they were in the same division as Hereford.

A look back to September 28th 2013:

Edgar Street Stalemate

SeeBlocker watched the game for BN

Following on from Tuesday’s win against Lincoln, Martin Foyle opted not to tinker with the starting XI but a substitution late on in the game, did provide Eric Odhiambo with his home debut.

The Bulls could have opened their account after just 6 minutes when Hereford won two consecutive corners. Michael West took the corner short, and after a one-two, his cross was blocked and went out for a corner. West again took the corner short, which Chris Bush delivered into the heart of the box, the ball was half-cleared to Kingsley James whose shot was saved.

Kingsley James Heads The Ball Clear - Pictures From Andy Compton Of The Hereford Journal

During the first half, Hereford huffed and puffed but struggled in the final 3^rd. Danny Leadbitter sent the ball long down the right wing for Jon Brown to chase. He controlled the ball well but scuffed the cross which was dealt with by the Luton defence.

The Bulls continued to create opportunities as Sam Smith sent Richard Brodie on his way only for his shot to be blocked by Ronnie Henry. The resulting corner by Michael West was cleared by McNulty.

Richard Brodie And Luton's McNulty

United had the upper hand in the first period as Luton’s 4-4-2 formation didn’t seem to be working for them. After Bush had received the ball on the left, he ran up the centre of the field to allow Brown to cross the ball into the box. A Hereford man was not on hand as the ball was cleared by Luton’s defence.

Jon Brown continued to impress as he got past two of three sliding Luton men only to be finally brought down by Jake Howells. Graham took the free kick short to Brown who, again, managed to get his cross in but was headed clear.

As the half drew to a close, Hereford had arguably their best chance so far after Brodie broke away and delivered in a cross from the left. Griffiths cleared the ball, but only as far as West whose shot went just wide of the upright.

Griffiths Charges Into Leadbetter - BN Pic

One final opportunity for the Bulls arose on 45 minutes after Leadbitter had been fouled by Griffiths, who was booked instantly. James crossed the ball into the box after the free kick, but Benson cleared.

HT: Hereford 0 – Luton 0

In the second half, Luton instantly appeared to be stronger than they were earlier after a slight change in their formation. After just five minutes, Luton were challenging Hereford’s defence as Howells had a shot on goal, but Evans was in the right position to make a comfortable save.

Foyle made his first substitution swapping Smith in favour of Walker. Walker then attempted to get his name on the score sheet immediately, after James’ pass allowed him to get a shot away, but his low shot was well wide.

 Guttridge came close to providing Luton with the opener when Henry’s cross allowed him the chance to volley. Evans launched himself into the air so he could tip the effort over the crossbar.  Luton again, failed to capitalise after skipper Henry’s cross was cleared for a corner. The corner was easily dealt with by the impressive James.

Following the introduction of Pilkington to the action, Hereford had bodies in the box and the chance to take the lead. Pilkington crossed the ball into the heart of the box, and after a goalmouth scramble, Luton’s Smith managed to clear the ball up field.  Pilkington was involved again as the Bulls created another chance. Pilkington’s corner from the right saw Brodie’s effort being denied by the post. The ball bounced to the feet of Graham who could only watch as his effort go wide.

Luke Graham In The Penalty Box

Many fans were happy to see Eric Odhiambo make his home debut as he came on for the tiring Brodie. Odhiambo could have opened his Bulls account following a Pilkington corner. The corner was sent deep into the box and Odhiambo was waiting at the back post to tap it in, but the ball harmlessly went out for a goal kick.

With only a few minutes left of the game, Hereford continued to send the ball into the 18-yard box but both Odhiambo and Walker failed to threat travelling keeper Tyler.

FT: Hereford 0 – Luton 0

This was another solid display by the Bulls in which both defence and midfield looked very capable defensively and do not look like shipping many goals with this 4-4-2 formation. Unfortunately, as no doubt Martin Foyle knows, work now needs to be done in the attacking third of the field. All in all, the performances of late suggest the team is now heading in the right direction.

Hereford: Evans, Leadbitter, Bush, McDonald, Graham, Green, James, West (Pilkington 64), Smith (Walker 51), Brown, Brodie (Odhiambo 80). Unused – Collins, Gwynne.

The Hereford Subs - BN Pic

Luton: Tyler, Smith, Griffiths, McNulty, Lacey, Parry, Smith, Guttridge, Howells (Whalley 88), Cullen (Gray 70), Benson. Unused: Charles, Taiwo, Justham.

Attendance 2386 including 500 from the airport.

 

A Well Earned Point Said Foyle

Hereford United manager Martin Foyle thought today's goal-less draw against Luton at Edgar Street was a 'very, very well earned point'. Nevertheless the Bulls only had one shot on target which Foyle noted.

"The lads have worked very hard," Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"There's a few in the team that have played three games very very quick and it looked like it caught up on them today.

"When you're unbeaten on two you don't want to change a winning side.

"I thought the defence was outstanding, the goalkeeper brought off a couple of great saves at the right times and the midfield too.

"I thought Greeny was tiring, Kings three games in a week after being out, fair play to him.

"My criticism is probably with the front boys at the moment, not making it stick.

"The good thing is it's not just one, it's all of them.

"The last ball, the last bit of hold-up play, a bit of anticipation, go and have a fight with the centre-half, put your arms and body into people.

"And we probably had the best chances, we had a couple in the first half, then Bodie hit the post and Eric had a great chance around the back to stick one in.

"0-0 against Luton Town the favourites you can't complain but if we don't make our front boys better then we are going to have problems."

The Bulls stuck to 4-4-2 this afternoon.

"We've had to go tight because we've been conceeding sloppy goals and we did have a spate of probably three or four games conceeding twos.

"Now we've gone to the clean sheets and ones, if you do that you've got a great chance of winning a game of football."

The Bulls have a week off until next Saturday when they travel to league-leaders Cambridge United.

"We've got a week now to rest up and to be honest four of five need a good rest."

Foyle was then asked about the two loan players, Michael West and Paul Green, whose loan spells finish this weekend.

"I've spoken to them but it was a case that I had to get through today's game because we've had so many injuries in so many different positions.

"We trained yesterday and Dom Collins fell down and his shoulder popped out, right I've got to get a centre-half.

"It's been a nightmare, it's been a long week especially with the tribunal and the games we've gone to and the games we had.

"I'm going to put my feet up for a day then go and watch a couple of games.

"The loan market is going to be important for us."