Match Report: Hereford FC 1-2 Brackley Town

Hereford FC v Brackley Town in The Isuzu FA Trophy 2nd Round.

After the Lancashire double-header which saw the Bulls collect 4 points out of a possible 6 they turned their attentions to Isuzu FA Trophy action with the campaign getting underway with a 2nd Round tie at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium against fellow Enterprise National League North outfit Brackley Town.

Following the 2-2 all drawn against the Shrimpers there were three changes to the starting XI with Joe Willis, Cawley Cox and Billy Phillips making his first start since recovering from injury. Kam Kandola and fresh from scoring his first professional goal in midweek Kameron Muir were amongst the substitutes, Luke Spokes wasn't involved nor was Ollie Lewis or Aaron Skinner who continued to be absent with his hamstring injury.

The Saints had a quartet of ex-Bulls in their squad with Kieran Coates, Charlie Cooper, DJ Campton-Sturridge and I-Lani Edwards all now at the Northamptonshire club. However only Coates and Cooper started, Campton-Sturridge was on the bench whilst Edwards wasn't involved.

The Saints came flying out of the blocks with Matt Lowe galloping down the right wing before crossing into the feet of Crewe Alexandra loanee Fin Roberts on the edge of the 6-yard box who took a touch before firing narrowly wide.

Hereford responded on 10 minutes with the returning Billy Phillips fizzing over from the edge of the box after some neat link-up play before Harry Tustin unfortunately had to be taken off after picking up a nasty looking injury on the right touchline and was replaced by Kameron Muir. Hopefully the Cheltenham youngster is ok and the injury isn't too serious.

Four minutes later the Bulls broke the deadlock, visiting goalkeeper Harrison Rhone on loan from Reading dithered on the edge of his box which allowed Cawley Cox to shut down his clearance, the keeper tried to scamper back but the Bulls no.9 delicately clipping over the stranded keeper for his third goal in three games.

Keeping in the ascendancy Phillips' corner from the left almost flew all the way in but Rhone just about palmed over before he was called into action minutes later beating away Muir’s stinger.

The Bulls continued to stay on the front foot, Martin found a pocket of space 20-yards out, let fly with a left footed curler which was tipped over the bar by the shot-stopper.

A great ball over the top by Joe Willis into the visitors half was then latched onto by Cox, he advanced into the box drilling towards the left side of the net which Rhone again just about palmed away with the rebound not being able to be stabbed in by Iwunze.

6 minutes before the break the Bulls were awarded a free-kick on the left from fully 30-yards, Martin tried his luck which the keeper just about batted away for a corner.

Brackley then clipped the left angle of post and bar with a powerful strike by the lively Roberts.

On the stroke of half-time Hereford almost doubled their lead when Martin fizzed a cross into the box towards Iwunze, the Notts County man’s sweeping effort from close range deflected off Shrewsbury Town loanee Byron Pendleton only to narrowly trickle the wrong side of the right post.

Half-time: Hereford FC 1-0 Brackley Town 

Brackley looked to assert themselves at the beginning of the second-half winning a corner, substitute Will Armitage got a head to George Harmon's delivery before Cox comfortably headed clear. 

Phillips on the left glanced a ball across the face of the 6-yard box but no one was at the back post to tap-in.

Lowe responded for the Saints drilling into the clutches of Richardson before ex-Bull Cooper pulled the trigger from the edge of the box but Richardson got down low to his right to hold.

With 60 minutes gone Brackley were pushing for an equaliser with Hereford sitting deep, soaking up pressure before the hosts broke with pace down the right though Martin who cut onto his left, drove towards the edge of the box but could only blaze over.

Martin then floated a corner from the left finding Howkins on the penalty spot who headed the ball back across from where it came towards Hudson at full-stretch who could only lift agonisingly over the crossbar.

Hudson then unfortunately found his own net when Brackley went up the other end and equalised, former Kidderminster Harriers man Kai Lissimore played a teasing cross from the left towards the far post which the Bulls captain could only turn into his own.

Not disheartened Hereford went straight on the offensive looking to regain the lead, a neat one-two between substitutes Waldron and Bitemo on the edge of the box resulted in the latter shooting towards the bottom-right corner only for the visiting gloveman to push away. 

Brackley then brought on ex-Hereford man Campton-Sturridge who was involved straight, he drove towards the edge of the box but shanked wide before Hudson swung a ball from the right into the box towards Waldron with Pendleton's clearance ricocheting off Josh Tomlinson but fortunately for the Saints straight into the arms of Rhone.

With three minutes of additional time announced and penalties looming the visitors in the final of those three allotted minutes snatched the cup tie with a stoppage-time sucker punch when they won a free-kick around 25-yards out, former Bull Cooper stepped up and got enough trajectory to whip the ball up and over the wall before it nestled into the left corner.

Full-time: Hereford FC 1-2 Brackley Town 

Goal scored by Cawley Cox.

Hereford FC: 1. Theo Richardson, 3. Lewis Hudson ©️, 5. Will Merrett, 6. Joe Willis, 7. Keziah Martin, 8. Harry Tustin, 9. Cawley Cox, 17. Joseph James, 19. Harrison Iwunze, 23. Billy Phillips, 28. Kyle Howkins.

Substitutes: 4. Kam Kandola, 10. Danny Waldron, 11. Fin Holmes, 20. Preston Bitemo, 30. Kameron Muir.

After taking the lead in the first-half and dictating the majority of the play we allowed Brackley to get more of a foothold in the second 45, sitting too deep and inviting pressure which in the end proved costly. The bitterly disappointing and frustrating defeat makes it four straight home losses on the spin in all competitions and an early exit out of the Isuzu FA Trophy at the first hurdle. 

Attendance 1392 (30 away)

It's back to the MandM Edgar Street Stadium next for the Bulls and Enterprise National League North action for the visit of Darlington FC who make the journey down from the North East. COYW

Words: Sam Cummins 

Around The Ground This Afternoon

A few pictures from around Edgar Street this afternoon.

First Half Pictures Hereford v Brackley

A selection of pictures from the first half of this afternoon's FA Trophy Tie.

 

Cox Opened Scoring For Hereford

Hereford striker Cawley Cox opened the scoring in this afternoon's FA Trophy Tie against Brackley.

Cox lifted the ball over the head of the Brackley keeper in the 14th minute.

Possibility of a game to be brought forward following Trophy exit?

Hereford have a free weekend next month after exiting the FA Trophy today.

A 2-1 home defeat to Brackley - with the Saints scoring a stoppage time winner - saw Aaron Downes' side lose in both cup competitions at the first time of asking. 

It means that Hereford have a free Saturday on December 12 when the third round of the Trophy will be played. 

When the Bulls had spare days after exiting the FA Cup, they tried to bring games forward, but were unable to do. 

They may try the same again to get a league game on. 

Hereford have a midweek games against Harborough and Radcliffe respectively later in the season, and both those sides lost in the Trophy today.

Therefore, there is the potential to bring either game forward and play it on December 12. If the Bulls played Harborough though, it would mean they would have three home games in a week. Matches in December can also dip due to Christmas edging closer and the weather being cold. 

However, while the scheduled game will be during the February half term, the weather then will also no doubt be cold.

Obviously, both teams will have to agree. But with Harborough playing three home games in a row at the beginning of December, a trip to Hereford on the 12th won't necessarily hurt them, especially as they don't play again until the 19th.

Another possibility is moving the Radcliffe away game, currently scheduled for Tuesday, March 9. However, with the Greater Manchester side due to travel to Spalding on Tuesday, December 8, would they want another game just four days later, especially if they are still in a relegation battle? 

At least there's time for those conversations with the free weekend being four weeks away. 

James admits players know home performances need to be better after Trophy exit

Hereford defender Joseph James has said the players know football at Edgar Street needs to be better after a fourth straight defeat on home turf.

The latest loss came after a 93rd minute winner saw Brackley Town beat Hereford 2-1 in the FA Trophy.

Press play to listen to his interview in full.

Bitterly disappointed Downes gives verdict on Hereford’s FA Trophy exit

Hereford manager Aaron Downes said Hereford found a way to lose this afternoon’s FA Trophy tie against Brackley Town when there wasn’t one.

A 93rd minute goal for the visitors saw Hereford dumped out of the Trophy.

Press play to listen to the gaffer’s reaction in full.

Full Time In FA Trophy - Hereford Lose

In this afternoon's FA Trophy tie at Edgar Street it finished:

Hereford  1 Brackley 2

Hereford failed to capitalise when ahead and Brackley deserved their victory although it took an excellent free kick to secure it.

Harry Tustin had to be subbed in the first half. It's thought he may have suffered acl damage and is likely to be out for a long spell. However this is not confirmed as yet.

Half Time In Trophy Tie

At half time in the FA Trophy it's:

Hereford  1 Brackley  0

Cawley Cox with Hereford's goal on 14 minutes.

The striker with a high ball over the top of the keeper.

Hereford created several chances. Iwunze unlucky not to double the lead just before the break.

Looks a decent attendance for a Trophy tie.

Hereford Team News For Trophy Tie

Three changes to the Hereford starting XI:

 Hereford FC Starting XI for the FA Trophy fixture at home to Brackley this afternoon.

Richardson, Hudson, Merrett, Willis, Martin, Tustin, Cox, James, Iwunze, Phillips, Howkins.

Subs: Kandola, Waldron, Holmes, Bitemo, Muir. 

Realistic Opportunity Of Going To Wembley Said Downes

 

In his pre-match interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester, Hereford manager Aaron Downes spoke about this afternoon's FA Trophy match against Brackley.

"Looking forward to it," said Downes.

"It is a good competition, a really good competition.

"It gives us an opportunity, if you go far in it, to get to Wembley, realistic opportunity to get to Wembley.

"It's something we will be taking seriously and I'm really looking forward to it.

"It will be a difficult game, Brackley is a good club, they've had a good couple of years.

"They are a good side and we will be taking them seriously, that's for sure." 

Thirteen Wins In A Row For Hereford

 

Following on from today's look back match at Bardon Hill, a few stats from November 2015.

Bardon Hill Win Sets New Bulls Records

The win over Bardon Hill is the Bulls' 13th successive League win - a new record.

According to club historian Ron Parrott Hereford United achieved 12 straight League wins with the 2003/4 side, that also featured Ryan Green and Rob Purdie, winning 11 straight games that season before adding a twelfth victory at the start of the following campaign.

During that run of victories, the Bulls scored 35 times and conceded six. This season the 13 game run has recorded 47 goals in favour and just five against.

The Bulls have also recorded a record eight away victories in a row, beating the 7 secured also in the 2003/4 season.

John Mills, pictured above, will be targeting the all time record of Albert Derrick for League goals. Derrick, like Mills, was aged 25 at the time of joining the Bulls, and netted 36 goals in the Southern League in the 1964/5 season. Mills currently has 25 League goals, equalling Steve Guinan's Conference haul from the 2003/4 season, and 28 overall. 

Eleven Years Ago Today - Hereford Win At Bardon Hill

Eleven years ago exactly reformed Hereford played their 19th league game of their first season.

A look back to an away game at Bardon Hill (where was that?)

Bardon Hill 0 - Hereford 2

The entrance to Bardon Hill's ground 

As Hereford travelled to a cold and wet Bardon Hill this afternoon, Pablo Haysham returned after his one-game suspension as Joe Tumelty dropped to the bench. Dylan Bonella also came back into the starting XI in place of Adam Page.

The teams and match officials during the minute's silence ahead of today's game

After an impeccably observed minute’s silence to pay tribute to the victims of yesterday's attacks in Paris, Hereford, in their away strip, kicked off playing towards Bardon Hill's clubhouse. Joel Edwards was quick to play the ball down the left wing to Pablo Haysham, but his cross was just out of reach of John Mills and the ball harmlessly trickled out for a goalkick.

With 4 minutes on the clock, Haysham whipped in another cross after Rob Purdie took his corner short, but after a quick succession of chances from John Mills and Mike Symons were blocked, Bardon Hill eventually cleared the danger to deny Hereford the opener. Another chance fell to Hereford 4 minutes later, after some good build up play, Joel Edwards set Pablo Haysham up on the edge of the area, but goalkeeper Tom Gutteridge watched Haysham’s rising shot sail over the crossbar.

With 13 minutes gone of the first half, John Mills had a chance to put the visitors ahead following a defensive error by Bardon Hill. As Josh Eggington failed to clear Ryan Green's long ball, Mills picked up the loose ball just outside the area, and with just the keeper left to beat, should've done better as he dragged his shot wide of the target.

Hereford could've been 3-0 up by the 17th minute if it wasn’t for some last ditch defending. Mike Symons' powerfully struck ball was parried by the keeper, before the stubborn Bardon Hill defence cleared his follow up shot off the line. 8 minutes later, a tenacious tackle on Pablo Haysham saw the referee award a free kick. Ryan Green's delivery into the heart of the box was punched clear by Tom Gutteridge, only reaching Joel Edwards on the edge of the area; despite taking time to compose himself, the skipper’s shot was too high to trouble Gutteridge.

With the Bulls continually piling on the pressure, Harvey Rivers had a relatively quiet half in the Hereford goal. However as the half hour mark passed, he was forced into making a diving save to keep out Dean Withers' cross come shot.

In the dying stages of the first half, Bardon Hill conceded a corner after pressure from Mike Symons. Rob Purdie's inswinging delivery was flicked onto John Mills by the head of Symons, but Gutteridge pulled off a fine save to send the sides in level at the break.

HT: Bardon Hill 0 - Hereford 0

Hereford returning after the break - conditions far from perfect

3 minutes after the restart, John Mills' was unlucky not to open the scoring after his right-footed shot hit the post and went out of play. From the resulting goalkick, Ryan Green won back possession before finding John Mills further up the field. As Mills managed to burst through the centre, he neatly slotted the ball past Gutteridge in Bardon Hill's goal, much to the delight of the travelling fans.

As expected, the condition of the pitch started to deteriorate and as a result, neither side could really create much in the way on chances.

As fresh legs were introduced in the form of Max Kontic-Coveney, the youngster was involved in the build up to Hereford's second goal. With Jimmy Oates finding Kontic-Coveney with his throw, he did well to round his man before crossing the ball low to Mike Symons. As Symons found space, he managed to force the ball across the line to double Hereford’s advantage.

Bardon Hill threatened periodically, but didn't present Hereford's defence with any real danger. As Pete Beadle freshened up midfield by bringing on Anthony Robbins and Joe Tumelty, the side were more than happy with the three points on a very wet and boggy pitch.

FT: Bardon Hill 0 - Hereford 2

Att: 330

Hereford: Rivers, Oates, Willets, Green, Edwards (c), Purdie, Birch, Bonella, Haysham, Mills, Symons.

Subs: Summers, Kontic-Coveney, Robbins, Grant, Tumelty.

Bardon Hill: Gutteridge, Fray, Keenan, Eggington, Holmes, Slater, Mulonga, Paparozzi, Hanslow, Fowkes, Withers.

Subs: Pearce, Moore, Mansbridge, Swift, Disney

 

The London Bulls Podcast - Episode 46 is OUT NOW!

KD, Jo and Tom sit down to talk through the last few weeks and the last few games. 

A mixed bag of results but still very positive. There have been goals, at both ends, and huge highs and some lows. 

They discuss the impact of certain players including Lewis Hudson's return to the side and the captaincy. 

Tom, KD & Jo then take a look at the next few games including the FA Trophy against Brackley Town at home. Thye look at Hereford's chances and whether the FA Trophy or the league is more important to Hereford this season. 

As usual they talk about the women's team and their latest results including the game that they went to at home!

Also a mention for the fantastic Youth Team, we are all incredibly proud of them!

Thanks for listening! Come on you whites!

Links to the podcast:

YouTube: '1st the worst, 2nd the best' | The London Bulls Podcast | Ep.46

https://youtu.be/nLQPY-oO4fA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6i1Oa7Pf6FqTvleSPTf3kg

Our links to everything else: https://linktr.ee/LondonBulls?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=3435596d-f136-4cef-991f-d9c89a399e69

Fans Forum On December 4th

Hereford FC are set to hold a Fans Forum on Friday December 4th.

The Forum will be held in Radfords and will kick-off at 7pm.

Chairman Chris Ammonds will be in charge and both manager Aaron Downes and assistant manager Harry Pell are expected to attend.

The club hopes to broadcast the event 'live'.