An assured and purposeful opener from the Bulls was rewarded by a well- deserved three points in tonight’s clash with Macclesfield Town. The defence stood firm throughout, whilst in midfield there was a determination to close down their opponents quickly, a feature not always in evidence during last season. In addition, Martin Foyle seems to have acquired the services of some exciting young talent up front, with Marlon Jackson in particular catching the eye.
On a sticky evening, Macclesfield’s Peter Winn was first to register an attempt on goal, which Dan Hanford was able to watch fly well wide of the target. Sean Canham then drew a foul in a promising position, the free kick was rolled to Harry Pell, but his shot was high and wide. In response, the busy Sam Wedgbury was caught marginally offside before a neat piece of interplay between Wedgbury and the dangerous Matthew Barnes-Homer saw the latter’s effort cannon off a colleague. Charlie Henry then found room for a shot that was deflected for a corner.
An entertaining quarter of an hour had passed when Hereford took the lead. Sam Clucas won the ball in midfield and fed Marley Watkins, who exchanged accurate and rapid passes down the left. Andy Gallinah, supporting the attack sent over a wicked, curling cross straight on to the head of the onrushing Sean Canham who gleefully guided it past Lance Cronin.
Luke Graham, looking solid and calm at the heart of the defence, had to leave the action briefly with a bloodied shirt after a clash of heads. It was now the turn of Jackson to show his ability. A strong challenge gained possession, and a jinking run into the box caused some panic in the visitors’ rearguard. He then failed by inches to connect with an astute diagonal ball from Watkins, whose creative play will undoubtedly prove a real asset. The Bulls continued to attack, with Canham, Watkins, Jackson and the vastly improved Clucas all to the fore. A long range piece of speculation from Wedgbury and a couple of piercing crosses from Winn did not unduly trouble the home back line, and when called upon, Hanford handled with confidence. Further chances to increase the lead before the break saw a driven cross from Chris Carruthers pass unmolested across the six yard box, and an interception and through ball from Gallinah to which Canham was slow to react.
HT: HUFC 1 MACCLESFIELD TOWN 0
Some neat work between Carruthers and Clucas found Canham a few millimetres offside, and Jackson shot wildly when well- placed as the Bulls kept up the momentum in the second half. Clucas was called into action with an expert saving tackle as Barnes-Homer threatened to break free. The Silkmen were then, on 59 minutes and quite unexpectedly, given the chance to level proceedings. Ryan Jackson, overlapping at pace down the right wing went crashing to the floor, and Mr Johnson deemed the contact worthy of a penalty kick. Up stepped Barnes-Homer, and the ball found the back of the net despite a valiant attempt to save it by Hanford.
Had this been last season, one would have recognised the likely events to follow.
After a period of dominance followed by a setback, United would have withdrawn deeper and deeper into their shells in the (often vain) hope of preserving a point. Perhaps it is the new management team, or the feel-good factor due to London 2012, or maybe it’s the weather (or something like that)- whatever the reason it is most encouraging to note the skill and commitment displayed by the Bulls to restore their lead. Certainly, the 66th minute winner was a delight to behold, and would, in a different arena, have resulted in a coat of gold paint on the post box by Marlon Jackson’s abode tomorrow morning. A terrific interception, a meandering run and a 20 yard shot into the top corner made the score 2-1.
The exuberance of youth meant that Jackson attempted another couple of shots when a pass would have been a better option, but he does seem an exciting prospect. A flurry of late substitutions allowed a glimpse of new boys Sammons and Nicholls, and both looked eager to catch the eye, fitting seamlessly into an impressive outfit. Skipper Graham and Michael Townsend made a couple of late clearances as the Bulls held firm.
FT: HUFC 2 MACCLESFIELD TOWN 1
Attendance: 2139, including 114 from Cheshire.
HUFC: Hanford, Gallinah, Townsend, Graham, Carruthers, Pell, Watkins, Clist (Sammons 76), Clucas, Jackson (McQuilkin 88), Canham (Nicholls 68).
MACC: Cronin, Jackson, Brown, Charnock, Braham-Barrett, Murtagh (Edmans 76), Mendy, Wedgbury (Brown 86), Henry, Barnes-Homer, Winn.
