On Saturday both the under 13's and under 16's progressed in the Junior Premier League Cup. The under 13's progressed into the quarter finals and the 16's into the semi finals. On Sunday Hereford U18's girls lost to Forest Green in the final of the Gloucestershire FA futsal tournament.
Soccer Schools UK (Oxfordshire) 2-3 Hereford U13
The first goal came with the first shot of the game after 10 minutes, the lively Samuel Griffiths scoring the away sides first goal. That seemed to wake the home team up and the attacking players for SS UK (Ox) started to find their rhythm. Midway through the first half, a hand ball in the Hereford box allowed Kieran Day to even the score from the penalty spot, his first attempt was saved by Jamie Smith, however Day was on hand to score the rebound, 1-1.
Moments after SS UK (Ox) equalised, Hereford broke quickly from a corner and Griffiths got his second of the game, after good work down the Hereford right wing, 1-2. SS UK (Ox) found themselves 1-2 down at half time. SS UK (Ox) were so desperate to get back into the game in the second half, that within 40 seconds of the restart, a fantastic cross from Day on the left found Ryan Jones, who headed the ball into the net and made the score 2-2, game on! Both teams played the second half were high intensity, quick passing and forward movements. With 5 minutes to go, the game never looked like it was going to into extra time and Hereford made sure it didn't!
Again, great work down the Hereford right, saw a cross make its way to Griffiths in the box, who completed his hat-trick to make the score 2-3. Overall, the game was played in the right manner and was a pleasure to watch.
Hereford squad: Jamie Smith, Kieron Davies, Freddie Fox, Mason Godsall, Samuel Griffiths, Joshua Phillips, Michael Yalland, Joe Speake, Jack Powell, Harry Pitman, Iestyn Evans, Tim Honey, Henry Jack Williams and Archie Horton
Hereford U16 3-3 Kidderminster (aet) - Hereford won 4-2 on penalties
Hereford started brightly and should have scored twice early on but the Kidderminster GK was quickly off his line to smother both attempts. It took Kidderminster 15 mins to get into their stride but once Hereford allowed them to play it was clear why they were undefeated in the league. Herefords narrow system forced Kiddy to play in wide areas and despite doubling up to create plenty of 2v1s Hereford defended their final 3rd exceptionally well. However Kidderminster broke the deadlock when a free kick was put into the box, an attempted clearance was sliced and the ball was eventually thumped home.
From here on in the game turned into a typical cup tie. Kidderminster looking to press high and Hereford being streetwise and playing around or over. The equalising goal eventually came when Hereford striker was brought down when heading in on goal. The resulting free kick was dispatched directly into the bottom corner and it was into extra time.
Hereford, with their tails up, went for the win. But the more expansive system allowed Kiddy more space and chances were created at both ends. Kiddy took the lead two more times but the determination and desire of the current cup holders was phenomenal, coming from 2-1 down and 3-2 down to take the game to penaltys.
It was evident Hereford were more confident in this situation following the exploits of last season. The visitors missed their opening two spot kicks whilst the hosts were cool, calm and collected, tucking the first four away and progressing to the semi finals.
Kidderminster played the better football but Hereford learnt a valuable lesson in game management today and will be better for it. The team spirit and 'never say die' attitude was Immense.
Hereford squad: Joe Regan, Callum Beckett, Liam Bishop, Reece Edwards, Luke Firkin, Cameron Gauci, Cameron Godsall, Joe Mellars, , Elliott Peeters-vanstone, Jake Spink, Ben Vanstone, Charlie Greenhouse, Jack Marston, Robert Whitlock, Joshua Bridges and Luke Marston
You can watch the penalty shoot out on YouTube:
