Harwood Bull watched the game for BN.
Hereford came away from Edgeley Park today with a hard earned and well deserved point. Despite Stockport having 70-80% of the possession, and most of the game being played in Hereford’s half, the Bulls managed to score with their only serious attempt on goal and defended well, if sometimes desperately, throughout the game. Stockport equalised with a penalty 10 minutes from time but Hereford held out for the draw.
This week’s loan signings definitely made a difference. Yates is one of the smallest goalkeepers I’ve seen for quite a while, but he looked composed and confident. As early as the second minute County whipped in a good cross from the left wing which looked dangerous but Yates gathered it comfortably and a few minutes later made a good save from a Stockport effort following a deep cross from the right.
The other Derby County youngster, Ethan Wassall also looked impressive. Older supporters will remember his father, Darren (currently Derby’s Youth Co-Ordinator) playing for Hereford United on loan from Notts Forest back in the late 1980’s. If Ethan is as good as his Dad was then we should be very happy.
Stockport dominated possession throughout the first half and the Bulls were constantly pressed back. They kept their shape and worked hard - Green showed all his experience and covered well in the centre of the back line. County weren’t able to turn their control of the game into goals though, one of their best opportunities coming when Matty Warburton showed some good footwork to make an opening for a shot but Yates saved comfortably.
Lloyd worked hard throughout the game but had little chance to show what he’s capable of. Shortly before half time there was a hold up to play when he took a knock to the face, which was the last real event of the half. Reflecting on the first 45 minutes over the half time Bovril it was pleasing that after the chaotic display against Chester it was good to see a team that seemed to understand their roles and were doing the basic things right. If only they could muster an attack ….
The second half was more of the same, although Hereford did seem to get forward a bit more, and Stockport, although keeping the pressure up, didn’t get any shots on target. Then something remarkable happened. The Bulls took the lead. A fairly soft foul on White resulted in a free kick out on the left. Richards produced a great delivery which was met by a thumping header from Harvey Smith into the net.
From that point on it was backs to the wall defending as Stockport came forward in waves.
Jackson came on for White – it took him a while to get into the game but he did OK on a few occasions, holding the ball up and bringing others into the game. It only ever provided a brief respite and eventually Stockport were awarded a penalty following handball by Green. There wasn’t much protest from Hereford, and Mulhern scored from the spot rolling the ball into the net as the keeper went the wrong way.
After that it was ten minutes of last ditch defending until the ref blew the final whistle to everyone’s delight and relief.
It’s far too early to get excited, but it was an infinitely better performance than the last league game against Chester. If there is to be a recovery it has to be built on sound defending, good organisation and hard work. If that sounds a bit dour, then so be it. It’s hard to know what to think about the new manager, but you have say that he got the tactics right today. I’ve never been so pleased with a one-all draw.
Stockport County:
Hinchcliffe, Cowan, Duxbury, Osborne, Palmer (c), Stott, Thomas, Walker, Warburton, Stephenson
Subs: Smalley, Ormson, Minihan, Dimalo, Bell
Hereford FC:
Yates, Thomas, Wassall, Green, Smith(c), Greenslade, Dinsley, Murphy, White(Jackson), Lloyd, Richards(Liburd)
Subs (not used): Bird, Lam, Franklin