Winless run finally comes to an end as Bulls see off Harriers

Man Of The Match Brandon Powell With Matt Healey

Well if there’s a way to start the New Year, a first win in three months will do for starters. 

We’ve been saying it for weeks that Hereford have to turn their fortunes around sooner rather than later and after 92 days, the Bulls finally won a game.

And if that wasn’t enough – young goalkeeper Brandon Powell was named man-of-the-match. Powell had to play in goal due to Brandon Hall being unwell and he had an assured performance throughout, doing everything that was required of him.

Jared Hodgkiss was also brought in, while there were starts for Ben Pollock and Alex Bray. On the bench were Peter Vincenti and youngster Rob Whitlock, while there was no place in the squad for Jordan Nicholson.

Alex Bray

Despite looking lively during the early stages of the first half, Hereford were fortunate that they didn't trail at the break.

Milan Butterfield headed a free-kick wide for the visitors in the 15th minute before Powell parried Ashley Hemmings' shot three minutes later.

At the other end, neat footwork from Victor Sodiende see him get into the Kidderminster penalty area, but his shot was blocked by Cliff Moyo.

Former Hereford United striker Richard Peniket then headed wide when well-placed for the visitors in the 31st minute, while Stephen Dawson had to head a corner off the line. Shortly before half time saw Bray and Sam Austin clashed heads, and Bray needed a bandage wrapped around his head.

However, the Bulls took the lead five minutes into the second half. Referee Dean Watson had no hesitation pointing to the spot after Jordan Cullinane-Liburd went down.

Sodiende showed calm and precision to net his second goal in as many games. 

Hereford had claims for another penalty in the 62^nd minute after Bray went to ground but instead a free-kick on the edge of the area was awarded.

Kidderminster were then awarded a free-kick just outside the area five minutes later but Hemmings’ effort hit the wall, while shortly afterwards, Sodiende shot over for Hereford.

In the 72^nd minute, Ed Williams’ low drive went narrowly wide for Kidderminster, but Hereford went 2-0 up 10 minutes from time when Moyo could only divert Dawson’s cross into his own net.

There were late nerves at the death when Cullinane-Liburd netted an own goal, but Hereford held on for an absolutely vital win.

Hereford: Powell; Hodgkiss, Cullinane-Liburd, Pollock, Greenslade; Thomas, Pope, Dawson; Bray (Allen 76), Sodiende, Mooney (Vincenti 88)

Subs not used: Styche, O’Sullivan, Whitlock.

Kidderminster: Mannion; Williams, Mayo, Johnson; Austin, Shenton (Williams 59), Prosser, Butterfield, Davidson; Peniket (Freemantle 69), Hemmings.

Subs not used: Palmer, Scott, Higginson.

Man-of-the-match: Brandon Powell.

Attendance: 2,508 (488 away fans).