Midland League secretary Gary Hazelhurst watched this game last Saturday.
Here's his report:
AFC Wulfrunians 1 Hereford 2
With the weather playing havoc with fixtures across the MFL, all credit goes to everyone involved at AFC Wulfrunians for ensuring that their game against league leaders Hereford was on. A couple of super soppers from the local cricket club certainly helped but the efforts of the groundstaff were repaid by a record attendance at Castlecroft Stadium. Hereford had won their previous 25 games in all competitions and a win would take them 15 points clear at the top of the table. Not surprisingly, the game attracted significant interest from across the Midland Football league with officials and clubs well represented. Wulfs started the game in a positive vein with Bulls keeper Martin Horsell having to palm away a Jamie King corner. Excellent work by Pablo Haysham forced a fine clearance from Matt Hunt. In the 17th minute, an excellent ball inside from Kyle Brady was just too far in front of Ricky Anslow allowing the Bulls defence to clear. With their first chance of the game, Hereford took the lead in the 20th minute. Ryan Green delivered a perfect cross into the penalty area and Mike Symons was allowed a free header, the “Beast” making no mistake as it flew past Danny Tipton. Symons should have made it two three minutes later. John Mills found space and played the ball into the path of Symons. With just Tipton to beat, Symons slotted the ball past the keeper and, somehow, past the post. Wulfs responded but Anslow overran the ball when in a good position and Horsell made a fine save.
The home side silenced the majority of the crowd by equalising in the 28th minute. An excellent run and cross by Anslow was fired home at the far post by King. The goal quietened the Hereford support as they knew that their side was in a tough battle for points. With half-time approaching, King saw a left-footed shot well saved by Horsell. On the stroke of halftime, a shot from John Hill fell at the feet of Ben Jevons, whose shot on the turn hit the outside of the post. Wulfs first half performance prompted a double substitution at half-time by the Bulls and the changes certainly made a difference. In the 58th minute, Haysham gave Wulfs warning of his ability when his direct free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar. Wulfs were still giving a good account of themselves and in a goalmouth scramble, Jevons saw his shot blocked by the Bulls defence. As the half wore on, the fitness and quality of the Bulls began to shine through. Midway through the half, a Haysham free-kick was headed against the bar by Mills. Hereford missed a great chance in the 69th minute when Anthony Robbins headed over. Hereford took the lead in the 76th minute with a piece of real quality. Haysham lined up the free-kick and curled the ball over the wall and into the net.
Wulfs did not lie down and King went close with a first time volley from the edge of the box. Haysham again went close with another free-kick, this one clearing the bar. In stoppage time, Wulfs were awarded a free-kick but with keeper Tipton in the area too, Horsell gathered the ball and the Bulls could celebrate their 36th win in a row. A fantastic advert for the Midland Football League and a hard earned 3 points for Hereford who are now 15 points clear at the top. The reaction of their supporters and official was enough to realise that they had been in a game today and Wulfrunians had pushed them close. Both sides can look forward to FA Vase fixtures next weekend with strong chances of reaching the 5th round.