Return Of The Mack

Son of Eric watched Hereford draw at Newcastle Town.

What a wonderful ground Newcastle Town have, well maintained but shared with a velodrome provides for very different sightlines to a typical ground. Set in a public park with a cricket match taking place and the neighbouring rugby pitch was being used for a dog show so the random sound of barking could be heard throughout the game.

Hereford set up with something approaching a potential first team and mostly trialists on the bench. Early on there was little to separate the two sides but gradually Hereford got on top with some nice passing movements featuring Lloyd and Owen-Evans, which did not quite penetrate the Newcastle backline. A corner came to Butlin at the far post, and he was in a surprising amount of space, his vicious strike was on target but too central, but it still required a sharp save from Kurasik.

However, it was Newcastle who produced the move of the match crisply passing the ball from their half through the centre of the pitch. Howell was at the heart of it with a one two and then beating Hereford’s trialist centre back to shoot hard and low across Hall. A very fine goal.

From a Hereford viewpoint though it was worrying to see how easily Newcastle got through with no midfield challenge and the defence exposed. The trialist centre back had an unlucky first half. He miscued a simple clearance against his own arm and the ball fell to a Newcastle player whose shot was thankfully miscued. Soon after he slipped on the right and again Newcastle were through and thankfully the chance was squandered but there is no doubt that he was the most responsible player for the Newcastle goal. 

It is difficult for whoever comes in at centre back. Jamie Grimes would easily make any all-time Hereford FC team and he has left an immense gap to be filled. Pollock again seemed reasonable as the other centre back and produced several good passes out of defence, but he is clearly still learning the position as he adapts to his new role.

Newcastle were very hospitable and well organised, they produced an innovative online programme.

Newcastle Town FC vs Hereford FC (fliphtml5.com)

Their manager, Port Vale legend Robin Van Der Laan paid a generous tribute to Ryan McLean and predicted it would be hard to keep him quiet. Initially Newcastle’s defence were tight on McLean, and he grew frustrated with the close attention and some of the passes played into him. At a break in play, he went over to Gowling who put his arm around him and gave him some advice. McLean then started to work down the right-hand side and fashioned an excellent goal breaking the lines getting on to a through ball, cutting across to the edge of the box, shimmying the defender and striking hard, clean, and low. That sort of quality at speed will win games at any level and with his pace and Gowling’s guidance it could be a very enjoyable season to see him develop. 

A draw at half time was a fair reflection of play. In the second half Hereford brought on a tumult of trialists but the changes of personnel made for little coherence and there was little cutting edge. The trialist centre back did not reappear and this may have been their only chance with a disappointing half. 

The best chances fell to Newcastle with shocking finishing denying them a win. Hall made an excellent low save and then a superb double save when especially the second Newcastle trialist had a simpler task to score. Finishing on this high point the trialist keeper came on to again show excellent distribution and make on good save. This was their best performance to date, and they may make the bench for the season.

By now Hereford should have a team coming together. Hall is outstanding at this level and his quality will give Hereford a chance of nicking points. In defence only Hodgkiss looks a certain player for the season and if there are not some serious signings there will be a lot of work for Hall. Midfield is the strongest part of the team. Both Owen-Evans and Kouhyar provide plenty of creativity, both work hard and the underestimated and easily overlooked Lloyd keeps things ticking over. McLean showed with his goal why Burr and Gowling signed him, and there’s a lot of potential. Butlin has big shoes to fill. Mike Symons turned fans who did not appreciate him to begin with into devotees, with his physicality and nous. Just as at Wembley Butlin seems unable to get his fair share of fouls awarded in his battles with defenders. The man whose goal took the Bulls to Wembley works very hard, but his quality remains debatable. Let’s hope he can learn to win more fouls and improve.