Aaron Downes And Harry Pell

Hereford manager Aaron Downes with his assistant Harry Pell pictured after this afternoon's 6-0 win over South Shields.

Speaking afterwards Downes said that his side was excellent.

"We were so on the front foot, so organised, so disciplined.

"The spirit, the commitment, the attitude of the players was different class.

"Our boys were willing to run, to harry, to put them under pressure and all of a sudden you can cause doubt.

"That's kind of what we did and we got our just rewards." 

National North League Weekend Review

This review of this afternoon's games from NL's Sam Elliott. 

Hereford, pictured, struck six goals past South Shields to strengthen their grip on first place in the Enterprise National League North.

Billy Phillips, their 19-year-old new signing, scored a superb hat-trick as Aaron Downes’ revolution continues.

The in-form Bulls are three points ahead of Oxford City, who beat Radcliffe 3-0 - Scott Pollock, Tyrone Marsh and Josh Ashby hit the target.

Macclesfield couldn’t get back to winning ways, Danny Johnson earned Spennymoor Town a good point after Finley Shrimpton had the Silkmen’s noses in front.

Elliot Newby, a Joshua Tomlinson own goal and a Will Smith strike edged Morecambe towards the top seven as Brackley Town’s poor start goes on.

Bartosz Marcin Cybulski can’t stop scoring, Spalding United are enjoying their start as the Tulips won 2-1 against Bedford Town. Their star striker got two more.

Chester have lost their way in recent weeks and they went down 3-1 at Buxton, Sisa Tuntulwana added two to his tally.

Reece Hall-Johnson made King’s Lynn Town’s victory over Chorley safe, as Ryan Viggars’s goal helped Worksop Town to a 2-0 win against Southport.

Second Half Pictures Hereford v South Shields

Pictures from the second half of this afternoon's game at Edgar Street.

 

Match report: Rampant Bulls sink impotent Mariners

Preston Bitemo celebrates his goal with Aaron Skinner

Hereford produced a sensational, statement‑making performance at Edgar Street as Aaron Downes’ side demolished previously unbeaten South Shields 6–0 to tighten their grip on top spot in the National League North.

Against one of the division’s big‑spending, full‑time contenders, the Bulls were relentless, ruthless and, overall, worthy of the eye-catching scoreline. As a Billy Phillips hat-trick was complemented by goals from Preston Bitemo, Harrison Iwunze and Aaron Skinner - with the latter missing an injury time penalty to make it seven.

The tone was set inside two minutes as Luke Spokes drove through midfield and fed Harrison Iwunze, who was bundled over as he tried to control Preston Bitemo’s cross. As Shields tried to clear the ball, it smashed against Billy Phillips and spun beyond keeper Jasper Sheik to give the Bulls the perfect start.

 

The Mariners briefly threatened through Sam Ashford and Sean McGurk, but Hereford’s press suffocated them and falling behind so early had them rattled. There was a chance for Cox, who couldn't control his shot, but the second goal arrived on 21 minutes.

Aaron Skinner confidently beat his marker and sent a teasing cross towards Bitemo, whose half‑volley doubled the Bulls' advantage.

Billy Phillips, electric throughout, made it 3–0 two minutes before the break, just after Spokes' floated free-kick evaded every white shirt in the box. Bitemo spotted his run and threaded a superb pass between defenders, allowing Phillips to burst into the box and finish confidently past Sheik. It was his second of the afternoon and capped a first half in which Hereford were sharper, hungrier and far more cohesive than their shell‑shocked opponents.

Half time: Hereford 3 - South Shields 1

Into the second half, the organised Bulls' outfit, still not giving their North East opponents any time on the ball, pushed for more. A Spokes free kick looked to be an easy goal for the unmarked Howkins as he broke free from the line, but he wanted to head the ball when easier to bundle home with his feet and the chance went begging. 

Tenacious substitute Harry Tustin couldn't do enough to get a shot away after picking up a loose ball and bursting forward but, on 64 minutes, Spokes delivered another wicked corner and Iwunze rose unmarked to thump home a header for 4–0. South Shields’ resistance evaporated as they looked to mentally surrender to the onslaught. Hereford, firmly in control, still looked energetic.

Phillips completed his hat‑trick on 70 minutes, reacting quickest after Harry Tustin’s driven cut‑back was missed by substitute Danny Waldron. The forward swept the ball home with composure as the Meadow End roared, coupled with some disbelief.

Still the Bulls weren’t done. Cox, desperate for another goal after netting his first in the 3-0 win at Harborough midweek, didn't have enough luck before being substituted, but the sixth goal did come.

On 83 minutes, substitute Jordan Williamson exchanged passes with Spokes, drifted into space and floated a superb cross to the far post, where Skinner arrived to hammer a volley into the bottom corner.

South Shields mustered a couple of late counters, but Kyle Howkins and Liam Roberts produced excellent blocks to preserve the clean sheet. In stoppage time, Hereford had the chance to make it seven when Spokes was clipped on the edge of the box, but Skinner’s penalty sailed over the bar. It was the only blemish on an otherwise flawless afternoon.

Full time: Hereford 6 - South Shields 0

Attendance: Attendance: 3,715 (48 away)

Sponsors' man of the match: Billy Phillips

This was a demolition, pure and simple. Hereford were faster, stronger, smarter and far more clinical. Against a full‑time squad tipped for promotion, Downes’ men delivered a performance that felt significant — blooming marvellous, in truth — and one that will echo around the division.

Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Kandola, Merrett, Cox (Tolley 78'), Spokes, James (Roberts 64'), Iwunze (Waldron 64'), Bitemo (Tustin 56'), Phillips (Williamson 70'), Howkins

Subs not used: Martin, Lewis

South Shields: Sheik, Tinkler, Marshall (Onanaye 35'), Sykes, Leshabela, Blackett, McGurk (Dodds 66'), Scott (Clegg 46'), Ashford (Jones 46'), Campbell (74'), Emery

Subs not used: Roles, Chibueze