Two points lost or one point gained?
On Saturday Hereford headed north to a new destination, Marine who are based in the coastal town of Crosby in the Merseyside borough of Sefton. The team must have travelled full of optimism given the great run of form they’re in, but maybe balanced with a bit of realism, as the home side have produced a string of good results lately. Having been in the relegation positions for much of the season, four wins in the previous five games had moved Marine up to 18th, and 5 points clear of trouble.
The ground is best described as compact, located on a busy shopping street and bounded by terraced houses on three sides. Down one side the high fence has house numbers along so when someone goes to ask “can I have my ball back please mister” they know which door to knock on. At one point late in the second half one of the Marine staff appeared with a net of footballs over his shoulder so presumably he’d been out scouring the streets for the many balls hoofed out of the ground during the game.
Hereford’s only line up change was new signing Glynn in for the injured Sammy Robinson. Robinson appeared on the pitch before the game, to a great reception from the traveling supporters. He was wearing a large cast/boot on his injured leg so it looks like he could be out for some time.
The home team started brightly, moving the ball around quickly and getting some good crosses in, mainly from the right flank, but the Howkins/Preston pairing at the centre of the defence dealt with it well. On 17 minutes Richardson put Ceesay away down the left, he was fouled by Scarisbrick but kept going – however the ref called play back to book the Marine player. The ensuing free kick was played into the box with some pace – the Bulls appealed for a handball but nothing was given.
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| Handball? |
Four minutes later another free kick from a similar position resulted in the opening goal. Babos curled it in towards Ceesay who was clearly pushed, but the ball dropped to Remaye Campbell who scored from close range. He’s beginning to look like an inspired signing – four goals in five games combined with a high work rate and an appetite for the physical side of the game makes him a real asset.
He was involved in the second goal as well. Babos lofted a hopeful high ball into the box, Campbell attempted a flick on it but failed to make contact, but his presence must have been enough to distract keeper Wogan who let the high bounce sail over his head into the net.
The Bulls continued to dominate the first half without being able to add to the lead and were relieved when a Marine corner in time added on was bundled into the net, only to be ruled out for a foul. Hereford left the pitch two up, but maybe a little fortunate.
Half time: Marine 0 Hereford FC 2
The teams came out for half time with the Bulls playing facing the bright early spring sun, which was right in Richardson’s eyes. He was clearly unprepared for this, but it was Bulls News to the rescue as Andy Williams was able to borrow Nigel’s cap for the keeper to wear.
There were no changes at half time and the second period started the same way as the first with pressure from the home team, and a lot of balls into the box. Once again, the Bulls defence was equal to it, but Marine were getting on top, the Bulls being unable to create any real scoring opportunities themselves.
The first change saw D’Ath replace debutant Glynn after 61 minutes. Two minutes later a free kick for the home team found the head of the big defender Doyle whose high looping header crept inside the post with Richardson scrambling across the goal unable to keep it out.
He looked pretty angry with himself, kicking out at the post a couple of times. He had more cause to be angry on 74 minutes. Sinclair Smith was closing in on the Hereford goal from a narrow angle with Skinner challenging him. Rather than let Skinner deal with it, Richardson dashed out to try and dive on the ball which gave the Marine player the opportunity to prod the ball home with a neat finish.
The final 15 minutes saw a flurry of substitutions and both teams pressing hard for a winner. Richardson redeemed himself with a fine save from Grant following a Marine free kick with the game in the 5th minute of time added on.
Howkins Appealed For Handball
Neither side was able to break the deadlock, and the game ended level. Failing to defend a two goal lead looks like two points lost, but overall I think the Bulls should be happy with the single point against a team who were really up for it and put them under sustained pressure.
Hereford are seeing the benefits of a settled back four now that Skinner is back to full fitness. They did miss Robinson in the midfield holding role and on the evidence of this game, new signing Glynn doesn’t provide the same qualities. Babos had a good game and Ceesay continues to impress, not just with his obvious attacking flair but his willingness to put in the defensive work and tackle back.
Full time: Marine 2 Hereford FC 2
Overall, a good day out in the beautiful weather. It started with a good walk on Crosby beach watching the Gormley statues appear out of the water as the tide went out.
The home side’s staff were friendly, and the catering was OK with a reasonable sausage roll and cup of tea. I didn’t have one, but I’m told the salt and pepper cheese pie was good.
Oh, and Nigel got his cap back at the end.
The Teams
Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Howkins, Preston, Andoh, Glynn, Mitchell, White, Babos, Ceesay, R Campbell
Subs: Hudson, T Campbell, D'Ath, Cowley, Williams
Marine: Wogan, Shaw, Butler, Brown, Doyle, Gregson, Hazlehurst, Fielding, Scarisbrick, Grant (c), Sinclair Smith
Subs: Wardle, Thomas, Robinson, Lusiama
Harwood Bull