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| Remaye Campbell Scored One Of Hereford's Goals |
Nigel Preece reports from Sporting Khalsa:
Ten days ago I was at the original tie at Khalsa and until the sad events that led to its abandonment I was pretty confident we would be in the hat for the draw. Khalsa looked competitive but limited and I felt we were far more likely to grab a third than concede an equaliser.
I won't dwell on what happened a week last Saturday, except to say the response from all has been spot on, but the impact it had on the home side certainly galvanised them for this.
I had made a day of it on the Saturday, a train trip and a few pre match pubs. No chance of that this time and I had to drive. I visited family in Ludlow on the way, and drove via Bridgnorth to Wolverhampton. A lifetime ago I'd done that route to see a Tesco Trolley (see old Talking Bulls for the name derivation) game and a win at a falling down Molineux, I was hoping for a similar outcome.
There was a game on at Molineux which caused a bit of a delay traversing the ring road but I made it to the Vine in Wednesfield to meet a couple of Bulls for a beer (singular!) and one of those proper hefty cobs they serve in that part of the world.
On to the game. A few changes, all enforced as far as I know (loanee Parker was there but not in the squad), and we lined up with Richardson, a back 3 of Quansah, Howkins and Roberts, wing backs Sterling-James and Hudson, Skinner and Richards holding in the middle, Edwards with more license. Campbell and Williams were up front and the latter came within inches of giving us a first minute lead. Despite that early chance it was the home side who looked more likely as they were winning the arm wrestle and really should have scored from at least one of their chances, the post rescued us from their best one. We did come into it a little as the half progressed with young Edwards looking a threat but I was fairly relieved with 0-0 at the break.
As I alluded to above, Khalsa were certainly galvanised by previous events and if I hoped their efforts would peter out as the game progressed I was mistaken. Nevertheless we had far more ball than in the first 45 but a lack of cohesion and determined defending kept us out.
Despite a succession of opportunities, clear chances were limited, a Sterling-James cross curled in and hit the post with 2 players not quite able to get a finishing touch, Willo's clear run and shot was comfortably saved by Constable. We were keeping a very high line at the back, at times we struggled with the early ball pumped forward from Khalsa, especially with the strength and pace of the combatative Andre Landell. From one such clearance Landell turned Howkins and the latter was booked.
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| Campbell Brought Down? |
With less than 15 minutes left a similar ball and turn led to the opener, Landell scoring at the second attempt after Richardson saved his first shot. Frankly, the burly Khalsa number 9 deserved his goal.
We'd already brought the lively Nto on for Williams and now brought Osborne on for Roberts. Noticeably the pace of our game was upped, a quickly taken throw was flicked on and Osborne, with probably his first touch, lifted the ball over Constable for a nicely taken equaliser.
Sam Osborne
Surely, our better quality players would now make the difference? Well, it didn't quick work like that, another bustling run from Landell caused more chaos and a follow-up shot took a slight flick off a flailing defender to beat Richardson. Cue, big celebrations. Understandable, but we weren't done for yet.
It was proper end to end now as we desperately, if somewhat crudely, pushed to take it into extra time, with Rooney on for the slightly limping Edwards. Khalsa had a chance to seal it but Richardson saved and their energy and enthusiasm was forcing us into mistakes. However, when the ball bounced around their area, the Khalsa defenders fatally stood off perhaps wary of committing a foul, and Remaye Campbell had a yard he shouldn't have had to swivel and slam home a fine finish from 12 yards.
You felt we should now be the stronger side in extra time and so it proved, we went close on several occasions, but the elusive winner didn't come until early in the second period. It wasn't a classic but after a scramble Nto forced home from close range.
Other than one break where Lewis Hudson had to rugby tackle Tilt and take a classic yellow for the team we hung on without much drama.
Overall, it felt relief rather than something to celebrate. An odd muted atmosphere, no one was allowed to stand behind either goal, understandable after previous events. I would hope it's not the last we see of Sporting Khalsa, a friendly welcoming club and an obvious venue for a pre season friendly. Samosas were good too. A quick word for the ref who managed a potentially awkward game with sense and quiet authority.
So, on to Hemel, who will have been delighted to have seen a bruising game going to extra time. With an ever increasing injury list it may prove a struggle but with the same application and guts we have a chance.
The journey home was fairly smooth despite closures on both the M5 and M4, I made it home just after 1; I imagine well before some staff, players and supporters who had to be in work this morning.