One step closer to promotion

Pablo Haysham Put The Bulls Ahead

Hereford FC overcame a tricky looking trip to third placed Sporting Khalsa with a dominant 3-0 victory. Pablo Haysham calmed any pre match nerves with a goal 10 minutes in, before Mike Symons and Rob Purdie scoring during the second-half to wrap up proceedings. Alvechurch's 2-0 home victory over Brocton keeps up the pressure on Hereford; should Church lose at Khalsa on Friday evening, Hereford can wrap up the league on Saturday with a victory over Heanor.

Peter Beadle was without Mustapha Bundu for the trip to the Aspray Arena. Joe Tumelty deputised on the left flank. The hosts started with the highly rated Craig Bannister up front, with Ryan Green and Jamie Willets expecting a busy evening, attempting to keep the 42 goal striker quiet.

The game started in a frantic fashion, with Khalsa keen to put pressure on every Hereford touch but on a bobbly pitch, Hereford soon began to find their feet and ten minutes in, took the early initiative. A long ball out of defence was battled for by Symons, and it broke to Sirdic Grant, who showed great pace to get goal-side of the left-back. His low cross was fumbled by the home goalie and Tumelty collected, teeing up Haysham, who placed the ball past the defender on the line and into the back of the net.

Haysham Goes For Goal

And Scores

It was a half of few chances; Khalsa's only effort from 20 yards was way off target, and Hereford had a couple of decent chances but couldn't trouble the 'keeper. Grant again threatened on the right-wing, finding Haysham, who then set up Tumelty but from a good position, an unlucky bobble meant he didn't catch his strike cleanly and it rasped past the post. On the stroke of half-time, Grant sliced a right-foot half-volley past the post after Purdie's free-kick was headed out of the danger area.

The impressive Grant was the danger man for Hereford, acting as thorn in Khalsa's side throughout the game. His acrobatic overhead kick after a brave Tumelty header was off target. In the 57th minute, Hereford doubled their lead through Symons. Tumelty found room on the edge of the box to force a fine save after a powerful right-foot shot but the ball looped up in to the air, and Symons showed determination, and power, to beat his marker to the ball and place a header into the back of the net from six yards.

A Strike From Joe TumeltyWhich Was Saved

Only For Mike Symons To Head The Rebound Past The Keeper

With that second goal, Hereford were going for the kill and it was Symons who was looking likely. He controlled under pressure inside the box, turned and shot, forcing a low save from the goalie, before Purdie's corner that followed was again met by Symons, but again, the 'keeper denied him, this time with a strong right-hand. As Khalsa tired, Hereford pressed forward with space to exploit; Grant burst from the half-way line, leaving two defenders chasing shadows before his left-foot shot was blocked by the 'keeper.

With just under ten minutes remaining, Hereford sealed the victory with a Purdie penalty. A quick free-kick caught Khalsa sleeping, Oates played in Symons, and he sent Grant racing clear, beating the offside trap and driving in towards goal. A heavy touch nearly saw the ball get out of his reach inside the area, but his speed took him around the 'keeper, who caught him. The ref had no hesitation pointing to the spot, and Purdie made no mistake, striking straight down the middle to complete a resounding win.

The Keeper Nearly Got His Foot To Purdie's Penalty

But He Didn't And Purdie Scored Hereford's Third Of The Game

Before hand, this looked on paper Hereford's toughest test with four games remaining. Khalsa huffed and puffed in the opening stages but Hereford were excellent tonight and controlled the game from start to finish. Despite the winning run of late, there has been some poor performances by the high standards set by the players. Tonight was a return to the excellent standards us fans have come to expect. It was a tough call for man of the match; Grant is showing good potential as a tricky right-winger, whilst Haysham oozed class at times, with his impeccable first-touch and quick-feet. However, man of the match goes to Jamie Willets; the former Stourport skipper won his battle with both Bannister, and the home number 10, winning numerous headers and defending superbly to keep a clean sheet.

Next up for Hereford is a trip to Stourport in the Midland League Cup on Thursday. This should give Peter Beadle an opportunity to hand some of the squad game-time, before the last home league game of the season against Heanor on Saturday. Get your tickets for this one!

Hereford: Horsell, Oates, Green, Willets, Bowen, Grant, Birch, Purdie, Tumelty, Haysham, Symons.

Subs: Laird, Robbins, Pilling, Staley, Mills.

Attendace: 1105 (Awaiting official confirmation). Later confirmed as 1095

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