Nigel Preece watched last night's game between Hereford and Scarborough.
I reported on the corresponding fixture last season. On that occasion I spent the day walking east of the Malverns before watching a good game and a Bulls win against a decent footballing Boro side.
Some similarities. Again a walk, with the same guide (not that I need one where we went), this time a circular from Abergavenny and a very brief photo stop at the summit of the Sugar Loaf, it was blustery up there to say the least, but the whole walk was dry with, at times, a bit of sun!!
I took the chance to catch up with some family in the Grofield and gawp at the huge hole left by that recent awful fire in Aber town centre before heading up to Hereford as the promised rain appeared. Pre match beer was in the Orange Tree and the stroll to the ground in the swirling rain didn't bode well for the evening's entertainment.
So it proved, at least early on. The visitors elected to swap ends, facing the wind in the first half. Our unchanged starting line up struggled to get control of the ball, Boro were no better, six footballs disappearing out of the ground in the first 15 minutes alone, both sides complicit.
We did produce the first quality bit of football, some lovely link up play but Mitchell's shot from 18 yards was pushed away for a fruitless corner.
On 23 minutes we grabbed the only goal of the game, White found space on the edge of the area, hit a decent enough shot but one that should have resulted in a routine save; however, somehow, the visiting keeper let the ball squirm through him and we were ahead. I felt sorry for him, a dreadful error, well, not that sorry, but you know where I'm coming from. He didn't get too much sympathy from the Meadow End.
We could have made it two on a couple of occasions, Ceesay having the best opportunity, perhaps delaying the shot slightly and his shot was blocked.
As the half drew to an end Boro did show more intent, but a collective team effort typified by one outstanding block by Preston and some terrific defensive covering back by Ceesay helped to keep Donaghy largely unemployed.
I didn't win the half time draw again (sort it out Turner!) but did sell a few remaining Talking Bulls, including to a visiting Seadog, a good read for the long trip home. I did also get asked if it was the programme of course!
Second half was attritional. Like Saturday we created what openings there were, White was cross with himself for not doing better with one chance, Campbell came on for McGlynn and hit a rasping shot with his first touch of the ball that the keeper just about clawed away.
The Chorley manager had praised us after Saturday for doing what was necessary and largely we did more of the same, twice taking one for the team as they say (both Hudson and Preston committed those sort of fouls and were rightly carded). Cowley was also cautioned for dissent but largely we kept the visitors at bay through basic individual and team discipline, good to see. It was a different challenge to Saturday, while Chorley were mainly muscle and direct, Boro tried to pass through midfield with, often, some neat triangles creating initial space but foundered on our solid defence and perhaps their own forward limitations.
You couldn't complain about our work rate, the willingness to cover, the organisation, spirit etc, all things that were great to see. Naturally you can always ask for more and I wouldn't be the only one hoping for more chances created especially as Boro committed more towards the end. I'd also be critical of our set plays, we had many corners that seemed either to fail to clear the first man or their large keeper clutched comfortably. I'm sure Paul Caddis would love more time to work on such things of course.
If much of the half had been not dissimilar to Saturday's holding job on Chorley then the 7 minutes of injury time certainly wasn't short on drama.
Donaghy was finally forced into a save of note and a succession of corners were launched into our area with the keeper up trying to make amends for his earlier calamity. From one we broke away and Campbell looked like he had a free shot on their unguarded goal from halfway but some indecision and the chance was lost.
To add to the nervous tension the remaining bulbs suddenly all went on the floodlight on the corner of Edgar Street and the Meadow End. Play carried on nonetheless, Scarborough benefitting immediately from the gloom in that area when awarded a corner that should have been a goal kick. That last corner and subsequent brief chaos in the area was a final fraught moment but once Donaghy had clutched the loose ball that was that and I could dash for my train home.
Another good win and, by and large, an effective and impressive team performance. Young Mitchell was given Man of the Match by the sponsors, I might have gone for Preston, but you couldn't argue with that call, his best game so far.
For a dreich (ask the gaffer, he'll understand) Tuesday night a week before Christmas I was impressed with the attendance of 2080, I was expecting 1700. Special mention to the dedicated Seadogs, a long old trip on a Saturday, well done to all of them.
Finally, the need for 7 minutes injury time was due to a medical incident in the crowd. It was, thankfully, resolved quickly; I hope whoever it was is now ok and back on the terrace on Boxing Day.
Nigel Preece