Bulls end winless run with Victory at Welling

Goalscorer Kingsley James

Hereford United earned three valuable points at Park View Road this evening as Kingsley James’ 61^st minute strike ended a goal drought and brought to an end a winless run that stretched back over thirteen previous games.

Peter Beadle gave starts to Michael Rankine, Danny Pilkington and Youth team midfielder Billy Murphy handing the youngster his debut in what was a game of serious stature.  Any harboured doubts as to his ability to cope at the higher level were very soon put to one side as he produced a solid and reliable performance that was a major contributing factor in the final result.

The early skirmishes saw Murphy sitting in front of the back four and showing several good touches and some intelligent positioning for interceptions.  Rankine introduced himself to central defender Hudson with his customary early challenge and followed up with a nice lay-off to Frankie Artus whose shot was just wide of the mark.

Welling’s Ajala won a foul off James and DLW pushed the resulting free kick away for a corner that forced a goal-line clearance by Purdie.  In a brisk opening by both sides, Lafayette was carded for a “two feet off the ground” challenge on KJ and was lucky not to see another when, a few minutes later; he was late on Dom Collins.

Jarrod Bowen Gets Away From Two Welling Players

As the half-hour approached, Rankine blazed wide from distance before Jarrod Bowen, who had made a quiet start, turned his marker inside out before being unceremoniously upended just outside the box.  Murphy’s deft free kick was glanced away at the expense of a corner which was easily cleared upfield by the hosts.

Frankie Artus saw a shot tipped over by keeper Butcher before a dangerous break down the right by The Wings finished with DLW having to save low down at the near post.  Danny Leadbitter’s marauding surge down the wing enable him to square to Artus but, again, the shot failed to beat the keeper before the half closed as DLW comfortably dealt with a long range effort from attacking fullback Fazackerley.

HT Welling 0 Bulls 0

The Bulls started the second period attacking the end decorated with a large collection of United flags but it was DLW who was first into action when Ajala’s shot was safely gathered.  Ranks won an aerial challenge and swiftly got a shot off before Pilkington found Artus in a wide position but his low cross was blocked away.  James won a heading duel in midfield but Pilks was slow to react and the opportunity to break forward was missed.  Then, just after the hour, The Bulls took the lead with a well worked footballing goal.

 Jarrod Bowen attacked the penalty area drawing two defenders before slipping the ball to Rankine who had pulled to the right.  Ranks’ excellent first touch enabled him to roll the ball into the path of the onrushing Kingsley James who drilled home into the far corner from just outside the box.

Michael Rankine Picks Out Kingsley James Who Then Scores

The combination of joy and relief was clear to see and while the travelling fans erupted with a huge cheer, the entire squad descended on the dugout to share the moment with their coaching duo.

Players Celebrate The Goal With Manager Pete Beadle

Pilkington showed a touch of class to roll round his marker, quickly made ground and whipped in a fine cross before falling to the grass with what looked, worryingly like a recurrence of his troublesome injury.  Fingers crossed.

Jon Brown joined the fray and slotted into the vacant left sided midfield roll in front of the dependable Rob Purdie who was giving an accomplished display at fullback.  Beautyman (really?) curled a shot over the bar with DLW covering before a sparkling run into the box by Bowen drew rapturous applause from the gathered Herefordians.

Sam Smith replaced Michael Rankine with six minutes remaining and worked hard winning his share of balls in the air.  Bowen was taken down in the box for what might have been a spot kick while Sam Smith was a little optimistic with his claim.  Then, with just minutes remaining, The Bulls received that little slice of luck that has deserted them in recent months.  The ball fell to Beautyman (yep) just ten yards out and he dragged his shot wide with the goal gaping.

FT Welling 0 The Mighty Bulls 1

Hereford: Lloyd-Weston, Leadbitter, Graham, Collins, Purdie, Bowen, James, Artus, Murphy, Pilkington (Brown 68), Rankine (Smith 84). Subs not used: Williams, Edge, Bush.

Welling: Butcher, Fazakerley, Hudson, Taylor, Bender, Beautyman, Clarke, Wakefield, Sho-Silva, Lafayette, Ajala (Healy 76). Subs not used: Turner, Obersteller, Karigiannis, Day.

Gate – an oddly low figure of 480 of which an estimated 140 were cheering madly at the end.

Well, it’s been a while but how good was that?  Much more solid in defense where Roberto cemented his hold on the fullback position with another assured performance.  Leads got caught forward a couple of times but recovered well and the central pairing of Collins and General Graham were back to form.

Billy Murphy Taking A Free-Kick

In the holding midfield role Billy Murphy was, quite simply, as revelation and played with an assurance that was well beyond his experience.  His composure and reliability allowed Kingsley and Frankus to break forward to support Ranks in his lone striker position and it was this freedom that created not only the goal but several other good opportunities.

I’ll leave Jarrod Bowen and Billy to fight over who buys the man-of the match beers!

Well done all.  It was a bloody long way on a Tuesday but it was worth it.

See all 2500 of you on Saturday at The Street. The pies are on order.

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