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| Andy Williams doubling Hereford's lead against Worksop Town |
Hereford chalked up their second home win of the season with a battling 2-1 win over Worksop Town at Edgar Street, earning a vital three points to boost their position in the National League North table.
Omari Sterling-James put the Bulls in front with a brilliant free-kick on the stroke of half-time, then Andy Williams doubled the lead 10 minutes from time. With a handful of goalworthy chances not being converted by the Bulls, Liam Hughes' late goal for Worksop in the final minutes led to a tense six minutes of injury time but Hereford held out for the win.
Paul Caddis made three changes from the side that drew at Darlington, the last league outing before the abandoned Sporting Khalsa FA Cup tie. Matt Preston returned in defence, I-Lani Edwards came into midfield, and Williams started up front. Out went Matt Richards, Eno Nto and Montel Gibson.
After a superb show of solidarity with banners and red cards to make a stand against racism, it was a lively start to the game, with both sides eager to make an early impression. In the second minute, Sterling-James swung in a dangerous free-kick and Campbell met it with a header, but the ball went just wide of the post. Worksop responded immediately as Martin Woods found space and fired a shot past Richardson, only for Howkins to scramble back and clear off the line.
The Bulls continued to press. Sterling-James showed why he is so dangerous from set-pieces, curling another free-kick just over the bar in the 17th minute, forcing Taylor into a smart save. Remaye Campbell tested the visitors’ defence again, but his low drive was blocked by Hutchinson, who was alert to the danger.
Worksop began to find their rhythm around the 20-minute mark. Redford and Starcenko combined well, with Redford heading wide from close range when it looked easier to score. The visitors’ quick movement in midfield caused a few nervous moments for Hereford, and the Bulls had to be alert to stop counter-attacks.
Sterling-James floated in another free-kick which nearly deceived Taylor at the near post, and every set-piece looked like it could be a chance.
The visitors pressed again in the 35th minute with Redford and Starcenko both seeing efforts blocked in the box, and the Bulls had to defend with concentration. But Hereford’s persistence paid off on the cusp of half-time. Sterling-James stepped up once more, and from 25 yards his free-kick flew into the top corner, leaving Taylor rooted. The crowd erupted as the home side finally took the lead.
Half time: Hereford 1 - Worksop Town 0
After the interval Hereford looked the better side. Williams looked sharp, linking up well with Campbell. On 56 minutes, Williams controlled a cross and laid it off for Edwards, but his low shot was kept out by the legs of Taylor.
In the 69th minute, Williams saw a shot parried by the keeper, Campbell followed up, beat Taylor, but Hutchinson was back on the line to clear. Campbell then had another chance, picked out inside the six-yard box, but failed to make proper contact. Edwards also went close but dragged his shot wide.
Hereford finally doubled their lead with 10 minutes left. While sometimes guilty of trying to go route-one when that wasn't working, A high ball dropped to Williams inside the area, he showed his experience with a good first touch, and calmly slotted the ball past Taylor - albeit slowly. At 2-0 it looked done but Worksop proved they wouldn't go down without a fight.
Throughout the game, defensively, Hereford were occasionally stretched, but Preston and Howkins dealt with most of Worksop’s aerial threats comfortably.
Substitute Hughes almost immediately hit a fierce half-volley from the edge of the box that crashed against the post. Then, in the 89th minute, he got his goal. O’Malley’s cross from the left was met by Hughes, and his header flew into the net.
The final minutes were tense as Worksop threw men forward, the away bench urging them on, but Hereford’s defence held out. Preston and Howkins won crucial headers, Richardson came and claimed a couple of crosses, and the Bulls dug in for a controversial late corner where Worksop couldn't do enough to bag a goal for a point.
Full time: Hereford 2 - Worksop Town 1
Attendance: 2,545 (66 away)
Sponsors' man of the match: Omari Sterling-James
The whistle brought relief and while Hereford made it harder than it should have been, three points and a home win is a massive boost to the side that have struggled - and after seven days marred by the alleged racist abuse at Sporting Khalsa.
The win lifts the Bulls to 13th in the National League North table, one place above Worksop. It wasn’t perfect, and there were missed chances and late nerves, but it was a step forward. After recent draws and frustrations, a win at Edgar Street felt important.
Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Preston, Howkins, Parker, Hudson, D’Ath (Richards 46’), Edwards (Osborne 77’), Sterling-James (Quansah 81’), Campbell (Nto 85’), Williams (Gibson 81’). Subs not used: Lewis, Roberts.
Worksop Town: Taylor, Hutchinson, Leesley (Whitman-Brown 69’), Gooda, Redford, Starcenko, Martin, O’Malley, Burrow (Hughes 69’), Cogill, Woods. Subs not used: Bencherif, Atherton, Tomlinson, Waterfall.