Frustrating afternoon at Gloucester

​Hereford’s play-off hopes took another dent as they were beaten 1-0 at lowly Gloucester City, in a frustrating afternoon for Josh Gowling’s side. Hereford are now 12th, four points adrift of the play-offs with four matches remaining. 

A large crowd, including 798 in the away end, attended this all-ticket game, played on Gloucester’s artificial surface which caused some challenges for the Hereford players, with added bounce!

The Bulls made three changes with Ben Pollock rested and Krystian Pearce came into the defence. Jamie Vincent replaced Keenan Patten in midfield, while Andre Wright returned up front with Harry Pinchard dropping to the bench. Gloucester named three ex-Hereford players in their starting eleven: Danny Leadbitter, Tommy O’Sullivan and Ollie Hulbert. But veteran striker Matt Green, who scored in Gloucester’s 2-1 defeat at Edgar Street back in January, was only among Lee Mansell’s substitutes. 

Jamie Vincent’s right footed effort in the second minute forced a save out of Gloucester stopper Harvey Wiles-Richards, palming it around the post for a corner.  In a first half short on clear-cut chances, Luke Haines also fired a free-kick wide while two efforts from Ryan McLean were blocked by Jordon Thompson. 

At the other end, Hulbert had a shot easily saved by Brandon Hall, and Gloucester’s other clear opening saw O’Sullivan’s free-kick blocked by the Hereford wall. 

The Bulls pressed effectively with a high midfield particularly through Vincent and Haines, but ultimately they struggled to find a way through before half-time. The ball moved quickly on the artificial surface, so chasing passes was tricky. 

Gloucester started the second half the livelier of the two teams, taking the game to Hereford. The Bulls rolled the dice, bringing on Harry Pinchard for Wright, but ultimately they still struggled to create chances. A Seb Revan free kick went over, while at the other end Lucas Tomlinson’s shot curved away from goal and went narrowly wide. 

Good Work From Ryan McLean But Tom Owen-Evans Couldn't Get A Shot Away

Then the deadlock was broken on 71 minutes. A free kick from the right channel was swept into the Hereford area, the ball bounced awkwardly, and Jordon Thompson turned home to give the home side the lead. 

Ollie Hulbert could’ve made it 2-0 five minutes later but his effort dragged inches wide, and late on Louis Hall’s low show was tipped around the post by Hall after Hulbert’s run towards goal. 

Hereford’s best effort came from a long-range Jared Hodgkiss drive, and while the Bulls tried to find a way back on level terms, they were frustrated by a dogged Gloucester side. 

Gloucester: Wiles-Richards, Leadbitter, Thompson, Martinez, O’Sullivan, Hall, Hulbert (King, 90) Dawson (capt), James, McClure (Green, 72), Tomlinson (Harrison, 85). Subs: Armstrong. 

Hereford: Hall, Hodgkiss (capt), Haines, Pearce, Egan, McLean, Owen-Evans, Lloyd (Touray, 88), Vincent (Patten, 72), Revan, Wright (Pinchard, 58). Subs: Klukowski, Njie.

Referee: Mike Crusham

Attendance: 2826