Bulls Defeated FCUM In 2012

Whilst tomorrow will be the first game between Hereford FC and FC United of Manchester, Hereford United played FCUM in the FA Cup in 2012.

Here's an edited look back.

The Bulls stepped over the potential banana skin of FC United to go through to the FA Cup 1^st Round proper with a two-goal victory at Gigg Lane, Bury this afternoon (October 20th 2012)

Hereford Line-up

With seven players unavailable, Martin Foyle recalled James McQuilkin to the starting line-up with Simon Clist dropping to the bench while former FC United striker Phil Marsh started playing off Ryan Bowman up front with just five in total on the bench despite the FA Cup allowing a choice of seven.

An early free-kick conceded by Clucas was floated into The Bulls’ box but Bittner was able to easily collect.  The hosts maintained some good possession with Hereford concentrating on retaining their shape.  Platt made a late challenge on Pell but Gallinagh’s free kick failed to trouble the home defence.  Quilks released Marsh but the move broke down on the edge of the FC box.  Bowman drew a fine save from home keeper Spencer on 13 minutes when a thumping shot was tipped over the bar.  Bowman caught birch in possession but the Bulls’ striker’s effort was just wide.  Jones headed a partial clearance forward and Bittner had to be alert to collect low down.  The game continued at a pace with FC probably shading the time on the ball but The Bulls occasionally threatening on the break. 

On the half hour, Quilks was on the end of crude challenge but waived away the attention of Dodge and was quickly back into the action.  Fullback Neville broke into the box to get a header on target but Bittner was equal to it.  Clucas darted past a couple of defenders to break into the box but his set-up for McQuilkin was dragged wide. 

It's a Penalty now go away says the Referee

Then on 35 minutes Marsh appeared to be on the wrong end of a foul in the box, which was ignored by the referee, but McQuilkin’s shot on the rebound was handled and Ryan Bowman fired home from the spot. 

Keeper goes the right way but it goes in

Bittner did well to punch away a well-placed free kick from Platt after Gallinagh was penalised on the flank.  McQuilkin clipped a free kick just wide just before the players trooped off for the half-time refreshments.

HT FC United 0  Bulls 1

Clucas was clattered early in the second period and the free kick was cleared for a throw wide on the right but little was forthcoming as a result.  Jerome Wright tested Bittner with a sharp on target effort and Stam showed his class to clear a through ball from Neville.  Then Pell had to leave the field presumably still suffering from a knock taken in the first half.  Clist who immediately dropped into midfield replaced him.  Norton won a corner off Stam but Bittner was out to claim despite a collision with Cottrell, which resulted in both parties receiving treatment.

James Bittner was the busier of the two keepers

Stam got in a couple of timely headed clearances but The Bulls were a little fortunate when Norton’s header went just wide with Bittner struggling to cover.  Bowman’s determination forced a corner with thirty minutes remaining but Clucas’ flag kick was scrambled away.  A short FC corner was clipped in and Norton missed a golden opportunity to level the scores when he sent his free header wide of The Bulls’ goal.

Then, around twenty minutes remaining, Foyle withdrew McQuilkin to introduce Kyle Perry in a somewhat surprising change.  Bowman won a free kick in the corner and Clucas’ cross was headed on target by Stam but cleared off the line when Perry tried to force home.   

Will Evans with Kyle Perry

Jerome Wright caught Heath with his boot when mistiming a volley and referee Joyce, perhaps, a little harshly, issued a straight red card before The Bulls doubled their advantage.

Ryan Bowman, with an individual run, broke into the box and fired past Spencer for his and The Bulls second goal with ten minutes remaining.

Bowman beats several defenders and scores Hereford's second goal

FC substitute Amadi had an effort that hit the foot of the post and Gallinagh had to hack one away off the line as the hosts desperately tried to claw their way back into the game.  Bowman beat the FC back line to a through ball but his pull-back to Smikle was wasted and shortly afterwards referee Joyce brought the match to an end in front of 2212 including 259 travelling Herefordians.

FT FC United 0  Bulls 2

Bulls: Bittner, Gallinagh, Todd, Stam, Heath, Clucas, Pell (Clist 55), McQuilkin (Perry), Evans, Marsh (Smikle 88), Bowman.  Subs unused: Hanford, Feeley

FC United: Spencer, Jacobs, Birch, Jones, Neville, Platt, Stott, Cottrell, Wright, Wolfenden, Norton. Subs: Daniels, Worsnop, Amadi, Carr, Cheetham, Krou, McGrath.

£12,500 in the bank.  Ball 51 in the First Round Proper draw 1.00pm tomorrow.

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