.png)
 |
| Hereford Captain Lewis Hudson Opened The Scoring |
Hereford are now 23rd in National League North following their latest defeat, 2-1 at Curzon Ashton. Things are looking pretty grim at the moment, although as everyone keeps pointing out, we have 5,6, or even 7 games in hand on the teams above us. That, however, is no substitute for points, and the two games a week schedule for the rest of the season will test the stamina and durability of the players to the limit.
It wasn’t all bad at Curzon, in fact the Bulls played some good football in patches and had the upper hand at times, but were unable to turn that into goals, whereas the home team’s second goal resulted from a period of sustained pressure which the Bulls finally caved in to.
One bright spot was the performance of the young loan players from Villa and Forest, in particular Cormac Daly whose pace and control was frequently too much for the home defence, operating on the left wing in the first half, switching to the other flank for a period in the second.
The Bulls lined up with Richardson in goal as always, with Skinner, Quansah, Roberts and Hudson the back four. Mafuta, Martin and Hamilton in what I suppose you could describe as the 6, 8, and 10 roles respectively. Andy Williams the central striker with Donowa and Daly wide right and left.
The Bulls have made a habit of conceding early this season, but on this occasion they took an early lead. An excellent through ball from Hamilton connected with Hudson’s run into the box – his first touch took the ball round the keeper leaving him a tap in for a ninth minute lead.
The lead only lasted for four minutes until Darby was given far too much space and time and scored with a low shot from outside the area with Theo seemingly flat footed – was he unsighted?
The game then went through a fairly flat period before the Bulls started to put some better moves together, and Daly was proving a handful for the home defence – once he gets settled into the team, and perhaps improves his decision making he could be a real asset.
 |
| Cormac Daly |
I re-read my report on last season’s match. In that I described Curzon’s captain Spencer as “knowing all the tricks”. So it was this time, he spent most of his time whinging and moaning at the ref, and collapsing in a heap on the floor. He received a yellow shortly before halftime for protesting at the ref not awarding a free kick despite the assistant flagging for it.
The half finished with scores even. Hereford finished strongly but without really testing the home keeper.
Half time: Curzon Ashton 1 Hereford FC 1
The second half started with a period of dominance by the home side. Richardson took a knock saving at the feet of a Nash attacker as he raced onto a through ball. Shortly after, a cross/shot from Richards clipped the Hereford crossbar, and in the 60th minute Curzon predictably took the lead. A corner from their right caused chaos in the Bulls defence before it was eventually fired home by centre back Amado.
On 67 minutes Yaya and Pavey came on to replace Martin and Donawa. Donowa I thought looked sharp and had an eye for an opening without ever receiving the ball quickly enough to make an impact. Yaya looked solid and composed, Pavey took a while to get into the game but then had three attempts on goal and looks promising.
The Bulls pushed hard for an equaliser. Daly created a couple of chances with low balls across the face of the home goal with no-one able to finish them off. Mufata was replaced by Rooney to boost the attack, and he came close with a low shot. Skinner’s powerful volley was heading for the top corner but was denied by a fine save by Hawkins. The Bulls kept pressing but just came up short of rescuing a point.
Full time: Curzon Ashton 2 Hereford FC 1
The Teams
Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Quansah, Roberts, Hudson, Hamilton, Mafuta, Martin, Donawa, Daly, Williams
Subs: Lewis, Preston, Rooney, Howkins, Cisse, Yaya, Pavey
Curzon Ashton: Hawkins, Amado, Stobbs, Curran, Spencer, T. Weston, C. Weston, Darby, Richards, Barton, Ezennolim
Subs: Sobowale, Stokes, Ollerenshaw, Holmes, Flannery, Welsh
Another disappointment, but the three young loan players all look to have potential, and given that they’ve probably only one training session so far will make a bigger impact once they’re properly integrated into the team.
From where I was sitting I could see Caddis’s touchline behaviour clearly. He was in the fourth official’s ear relentlessly from the first minute. I don’t know if he just can’t help himself or whether it’s a calculated attempt to influence the outcome of the game, but I don’t know how it benefits the team. It’s certainly not hard to see how he picks up yellow cards.
There’s much talk of how Caddis is working to strengthen the squad, and with Campbell’s departure we must improve the attacking options. Willo’s demeanour seems to be one of constant frustration, arms spread wide in exasperated gestures. It seems to have been the case all season that we have a single striker who always looks isolated.
Finally, the pie report. Possibly the worst pie I’ve ever had at a football match. Or anywhere else come to that. The only choice I was offered was a cheese and onion pie that looked like it had been squashed and then the top burnt. I had one bite and gave it back. One out of ten and that’s being generous.
Harwood Bull