The Bulls eased themselves into the next round of the FA Trophy with a stuttering but ultimately winning performance in this unwanted replay against Potters Bar Town.
The already depleted Bulls squad was further weakened by the absence of Jimmy Oates who was reported ill and unfit to play. He was replaced by Page in at left back and a tactical switch saw Smith start in place of Symonds who was left on the bench.
A quiet opening saw Hereford have most of the possession but with little end product and it was the home team who created the first real chance. A mistake by Page resulted in a cross cut in from the right touchline to the edge of the box where the Scholar’s striker shot over from16 yards.
Hereford took the lead just 5 minutes later with a well worked goal from one of the few moments of quality in the match. O’Shea found some space as he broke down the right and hit a well judged cross field pass to Mills who controlled the ball, turned the defender and hit a right foot across the goal area for Smith to force the ball home at the back post.
 |
| Hereford's First Goal. |
Just a few minutes later Mills could have put the Bulls two up as he seemed to be clean through before going to ground under the challenge of the last defender. The angry shouts for a penalty were waved away by the referee who reached for his notebook and booked Mills for diving.
The Scholars did begin to show more threat halfway through the first period. Firstly a smart shot across goal from a free kick was palmed around the post by Horsell. The ensuing corner from the same attack did end up with the ball in the back of the net but it was ruled out for a foul on Horsell.
The last real action in the first half saw Mills involved again, this time seemingly being clattered by the goalkeeper as the Scholars stopper leapt and missed a long Horsell clearance that his defender had failed to deal with. Mills looked favourite to get on the end of the clearance but found himself on the ground and the keeper gratefully hugging the ball.
Half Time: Scholars 0 - 1 Bulls
In the first half Bird’s contribution had been quiet but just two minutes into the second half he was disappointed not to see a well hit shot nestle in the top corner as it flew over the top after the ball was cheaply given away on the wing.
The Scholars had obviously been told to up the tempo in the second half and they came out with an extra spring in their step and bite in their tackle. All this really did was kill the game as a spectacle and led to more mistakes and some players reverting to type with long ball tactics.
Cue Symo, who replaced Smith in a right midfield role after 56 minutes but it wasn’t until 80 minutes had gone before he used his unique combination of body strength and dazzling feet to beat two players at the byline and get an excellent cross into the 6 yard box where the two
Scholars centre backs played involuntary ping pong resulting in the ball in the back of their own net. What followed was a lesson from the diplomatic PA announcer who was well versed in avoiding any further punishment for the two embarrassed parties.
The squad injury crisis worsened as Pablo went off holding his right leg ominously in the hamstring area. He was replaced by Franklin who was given a chance in difficult circumstances to help see the game through to the end.
Ironic PA announcements aside the entertainment was not over. Despite a couple of dangerous free kicks the Scholars really hadn’t threatened for most of the second half until their number twelve turned sharply on the edge of the box and shot across Horsell into the far corner to score the best goal of the night on 88 minutes. The excitement for the home crowd was short lived however as the Bulls saw the game out to a successful conclusion
Full Time: Scholars 1 - 2 Bulls
Hereford: Horsell, O'Shea, Page, Reffell, Green, Deaman, Preen, Bird, Mills, Haysham (Franklin – 83’), Smith – Symons (56’).
Reffell must get a mention for reporter’s man of the match. Whilst not contributing to the key moments he was very tidy playing in a key position he is not used to and was good enough to do a comprehensive job on this level of opposition. Mentions too for O’Shea, Green and Deaman, the latter getting my vote for most improved player this season.
Beadle - who must have misread the weather forecast because he was sporting a pair of long trousers, the first time I’ve seen him do so since that fateful Wembley day - was unusually quiet and will have a lot to ponder with a looming fixture pile up and a growing injury list
With key players missing, some playing out of position and others not showing the bite that Beadle might expect in a cup tie like this he must be scouring the market looking for the players he needs to bolster his squad. If he wants to maintain a place in all competitions he will need to do something.
Report written by Richard Bishop.