AFC Wulfrunians 1 – Hereford 2

Pablo Haysham Scored The Winner With A Free Kick

Hereford’s game at AFC Wulfrunians was one of only two MFL Premier fixtures to survive the weather this afternoon, with Bardon Hill’s trip to Long Eaton being the other.

There were two changes to the Hereford side that beat Coventry Sphinx 6-1 at Edgar Street on Monday, Joe Tumelty dropped to the bench as Aaron Birch was restored in the heart of midfield, as well as Mike Symons returning to the side in place of Mustapha Bundu.

As Hereford looked to find their feet in the opening stages of the game, they showed regular bursts of good build up play, but seemed a little shot shy. The Bulls’ first clear-cut chance came in the 5th minute, when Aaron Birch tested the keeper with his strike from the edge of the 18-yard box, but Danny Tipton in the Wulfs’ goal easily claimed Birch’s effort.

With the visitors continuing to press, a Rob Purdie corner in the 20th minute was taken short to Pablo Haysham, but as Purdie whipped in a cross, it was headed away by Richard Palmer. As Hereford retained possession, the ball was played around in midfield before Ryan Green crossed in from the right. As his delivery found the head of Mike Symons at the far post, he had little trouble in beating the keeper with his well-directed header to put Hereford in front.

Mike Symons' Header Put Hereford In The Lead

Symons With Jamie Willets Hitching a Lift

4 minutes later, Mike Symons should’ve done better when left one-on-one with the keeper. As John Mills played the ball into the path of the advancing Symons, he burst through the centre but couldn't beat the keeper with his shot as Tipton sent the ball wide with his feet. Much to the surprise of the large away following, the referee signalled for a goalkick.

With the hosts more than matching Hereford, in the 25th minute Martin Horsell lost his footing, leaving Ricky Anslow with a chance to score; but Horsell did well to scramble back and claim the ball from Anslow’s feet. 

With 28 minutes on the clock, the hosts pulled themselves back level. A Wulf’s counterattack saw Jamie King cross the ball in after his run down the left flank. Ricky Anslow was on hand at the far post as he drilled the ball into the back of the net past Horsell.

Yes, Wulfrunians Have Equalled

In the 43rd minute, as Mike Symons went on a nice run down the left wing, he was able to cut into the box and play the ball back to Pablo Haysham. As Haysham ran goalwards, his shot from the edge of the area was well caught by the diving Tipton.

As Wulfrunians proved pacey up front, they continually tested Hereford's defence, but failed to convert any of their chances. With the break approaching, Ricky Anslow weaved his way through the Bulls’ back four, as he forced Horsell into pushing his shot wide. Despite half-clearing the ball from the corner, it was played back in to Anslow, but his effort from 10-yards deflected out off the upright.

HT: AFC Wulfrunians 1 – Hereford 1

With Hereford looking more vulnerable then they have done of late, manager Pete Beadle made 2 changes at half time. Jamie Willets, who has been ever-present during the 25-game winning streak, was replaced by Jimmy Oates, and after picking up a knock, Rob Purdie was also subbed, as he was replaced in midfield by Anthony Robbins.

As the second half got off to a fairly slow start, with 57 minutes on the clock, Mike Symons broke away on a promising run, but after playing the ball back Anthony Robbins, he was fouled by Ben Jevons 20-yards out. With the referee awarding a free kick, Pablo Haysham tried his luck, but his effort rattled out off the crossbar.

With a goal desperately needed by the Bulls, in the 67th minute Aaron Birch was denied by the crossbar as he tried to convert Pablo Haysham’s free kick. Moments later Ryan Green carried the ball forward from the back, but after he whipped in a cross from the right to Anthony Robbins, his headed effort just cleared the crossbar. 

As Hereford slowly started to create chances for themselves, in the 76th minute Pablo Haysham was fouled as he cut into the centre. 

Pablo Haysham Is Brought Down

As Haysham tried his luck from the free kick, his curling effort beat the wall and the outstretched arm of the keeper, as the Whites were back on track for their 26th win on the trot. 

Haysham's Free Kick Beats The Keeper

Cue For Celebrations

With 5 minutes left on the clock, Pablo Haysham was once again brought down as he tried to break into the box. With the free kick being in a similar position to the previous one, Haysham tried a repeat of his goal, but his effort was just too high.

The Whites continued to push for another goal to make the scoreline more comfortable, but were happy to see the game out as they grabbed all 3 points from a strong and determined Wulfrunians side.

FT: AFC Wulfrunians 1 – Hereford 2

AFC Wulfrunians: Tipton, Sedgemore (C), Perks, Palmer, Hill, Hunt, Webb, Brady, Anslow, King, Jevons.

Subs: Minto, Ganderton, Aulak, Waterhouse, Gregg.

Hereford: Horsell, Green, Edwards (C), Bonella, Willets (Oates – 46’), Summers, Purdie (Robbins – 46’), Birch, Mills, Haysham, Symons.

Subs not used: Kontic-Coveney, Tumelty, Rivers.

Attendance: 895

Match Highlights: youtu.be/Rish8nQF0YY

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