- John Mills rolled back the years as his goal six minutes from time saw Hereford FC XI beat Hereford United XI 2-1 in Rob Purdie's testimonial this afternoon.
Mills was on hand to slide home Pablo Haysham's pull-back to win the game for his team in front of a crowd of 1,525.
A glorious sunny afternoon saw many fan favourites return to Edgar Street. Wayne Brown, Tony James, Ben Smith, Stuart Fleetwood and Steve Guinan all lined up for Hereford United, although Jarrod Bowen, Guy Ipoua, Paul Parry, Andy Ferrell, Richard Rose and Mark Beesley were unable to attend. Lining up for Hereford FC were Martin Horsell, Joel Edwards, Jamie Willets, Aaron Birch, Haysham and Mills.
Ryan Green played in Purdie's Hereford United team.
Many people picked the old guard as favourites for the match, but it was Hereford FC who started the brighter of the two.
Mills blazed over, while Brown kept out a couple of efforts from Sol Wheatley.
However, it was Hereford United who had the best chance of the first half in the 15th minute.
Mills did have the ball in the back of the net in the 22nd minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside, while at the other end, Fleetwood went close.
Hereford FC went ahead five minutes after the break. Haysham - who had earlier went close - scored past substitute keeper Matt Baker with a well-worked effort.
The second half saw many substitutions, including supporters who had won a raffle given 10 minutes to play.
Chances were at a premium, but Hereford United did claw themselves level eight minutes from time.
Guinan won a corner after Horsell saved his effort and his delivery was met by the head of Michael Townsend.
But Hereford FC were not to be denied and went back in front just two minutes later thanks to Mills.
Following the match there was a penalty shoot-out, which included the supporters testing their skills in front of the Meadow End.
Purdie also stood up, but despite being renowned for his penalty success while at Hereford, his left-footed strike went well over the bar.