The first game of this weekend's double header ended in the Bulls coming out 2-0 winners over Sporting Club Inkberrow, who have had a whirlwind three seasons achieving back-to-back-to-back promotions.
Hereford started as follows: Richardson, Howkins, Preston, Roberts, Bitemo, Sterling-James, D’ath, Mafuta, Trialist (unknown), Campbell and Trialist (Thought to be Eno Nto).
Paul Caddis looked to be trying out the system he started last season with which was a 3-5-2. With that taking a bit of time for the team to get used to, the Worcestershire side actually started the game the better of the two sides with a few early chances but none that really troubled Richardson in net.
It wasn’t really until the 21st minute that anything concrete was created for the away side when an Omari Sterling-James free kick met the head of Matt Preston and hit the back of the net but the linesman’s flag was up for offside. A dubious call from where I was stood which seemed to be a theme throughout from the officials.
Seven minutes later a marauding run from none another than Kyle Howkins to the edge of the box resulted in him having a shot which narrowly missed the target. After that, again Inkberrow had a few chances but nothing of real threat on the Hereford goal. Preston Bitemo really grew into the game towards the end of the first half showing some real pace as the right wing back, a new position for him.
However it was the wing back on the opposite side that opened the scoring when a ball kindly fell to Omari Sterling-James on the edge of the box he took a touch and volleyed it past the Inkberrow keeper and into the bottom right hand corner. Just before half time then Sterling-James had another good effort but it was saved well by the keeper.
Then came the second half and the same eleven started it for the first time this pre-season. A couple of early chances came when Sterling-James and Mitch Roberts combined well down the left and the latter put a cross in for Remaye Campbell who headed just wide. Then a minute later that same combination occurred when Sterling-James slipped in Roberts who’s outside the foot shot hit the side netting.
Then a wicked shot from the Inkberrow trialist almost caught Richardson out with what was an outrageous effort but thankfully the crossbar kept it out.
Then on 60 minutes the full eleven was changed.
The new XI was as follows: Trialist (Gk), Quansah, Trialist (Thought to be Charlie Hickingbottom), Lewis Hudson, Madou Cisse, Kai Williams, Trialist (Rumoured as Matt Richards), Aaron Skinner, Trialist (We think is Fenton Heard), Andy Williams and Trialist (Understood to be Abu Kanu).
These final 30 minutes didn’t really see many chances created for either side. There was some nice link up play between a few of the trialists along with Kai Williams and Lewis Hudson down the left hand side.
But on 82 minutes the Bulls found the second goal when some good play down the right hand side between a trialist (Heard) and Madou Cisse saw a ball fall to Andy Williams who delivered a delightful cross to the back post where trialist (Kanu) produced a Robin Van Persie Esque header to seal the win for Paul Caddis’ men.
Overall, a solid run out for the boys who put into practice a different system to the one they have been used to. Some impressive trialists that will certainly be making a case for a contract for the upcoming season.
I though Preston Bitemo and Omari Sterling-James were mightily impressive down either flank. And I also thought we saw the foundations of a really good centre midfield partnership being formed between Gus Mafuta and Lawson D’ath.
I think Caddis is using these two friendlies this weekend to get 90 minutes in everyone’s legs but through a 60min/30min split. So I’d expect the team that finished the game to start on Sunday and play 60 minutes.
So with that we move onto Malvern which will be another good test and an opportunity to see the players in action once more.
#COYW
By Jack Pugh