Second half goals from Mathieu Manset and O'Neil Thompson following an opener from Telford’s Adams enabled The Bulls to return from The New Bucks Head with a win in their Tuesday evening warm-up match.
A slightly unfamiliar starting XI featured the exotically named Diogo in a forward position while former Everton trainee John Kissock took his place in midfield. An unconvincing opening period from Hereford allowed the Bucks too much time on the ball as they produced a couple of decent efforts which Bartlett dealt with effectively. Former Bulls' player Danny Carey-Bertram started up front for the hosts but it was their supporting midfielders who posed the main threat as they often got forward unattended. Richard Rose was on hand to clear a dangerous cross from the left with a diving header at the expense of a corner before Bartlett went full length to tip an Evans shot on the upright which rebounded to safety.
Telford took the lead as the half drew to a close. Townsend gifted an opportunity to Jon Adams and the wideman cut into the box to fire passed Bartlett.
HT Telford 1 Bulls 0
Manager Davey rang the changes at the interval introducing a more recognisable line-up, which included Ryan Green, Valentine, Kenny Lunt, Manset, Thompson and Sam Malsom. The Bucks, however, continued to look organised and it was not until the later stages the United started to get into their stride. O'Neil Thompson strode forward onto a Ryan Green pass down the right and skipped passed a defender before sending an inch-perfect cross onto the head of Manset who glanced in from six yards. Canham then tested the home keeper before Hereford grabbed the winner. A corner from the right found its way to Thompson on the edge of the box and his shot took a slight deflection before beating the keeper low into the corner.
The game was watched by 753 including 107 in the visitors end although it was rumoured that a there were a couple in the toilet when I did the count.
Hereford - Bartlett (Connor 46), Stratford (Green 46), Kanoute (Valentine 46), Townsend (Kovacs 46), Rose, Gwynne (Lunt 46), McQuilkin (Evans 65), Kissock (Thompson 46), Diogo (Manset 46), Canham, Fleetwood (Malsom 46).
FT Telford 1 Bulls 2
This was a somewhat disjointed showing from Davey's new squad but it has to be remembered that, particularly in the first half, there were a number of trialist and some players in unfamiliar positions. The Bulls move on to Lydbrook on Thursday before what is expected to be the real test of Plymouth Argyle.