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Of course, things went, er, apple-shaped(?) instead, with Luke Haines’ typical National League North centre half’s strike, which may well have crossed an international boundary on its way from his boot to the goal, securing the points for the Bulls. It was smashing to hear him say after the match that ‘hopefully unstoppable’ is achievable this season. Just the sort of ambition needed.
Three of the summer arrivals shone on Tuesday, with Zac Lilly looking Hansenesque, Jack Evans starting to show the quality his CV hinted at, and Kane Thompson-Sommers franking the form he showed in the opening game against Spennymoor.
There have been no reports of Aaron Amadi-Holloway’s half-hour cameo at the Deva causing him any issues, so he’s presumably now both fit and virtually match-sharp.
Another plus is that Brad Wade seems to be a very good goalkeeper indeed.
All-in-all Josh Gowling’s summer shopping spree seems a lot more Waitrose than Bargain Booze, and although four points from three games isn’t going to keep leaders Kings Lynn awake at night with their fancy 100% record, Hereford will win this one comfortably, ruthlessly and stylishly in a way that forces others to sit up and take notice, I’m sure of it.
There’s been a club at Buxton, home of Peak District spring water, since 1877, but this is the highest level of football they’ve reached in all that time. Jamie Vermiglio manages the Bucks after surprisingly leaving Chorley in the summer having spent four years there. He knows the division and knows what it takes to win it, but to do so with his new club really would be some achievement. Presumably staying up is the number one priority this season, and building from there.
That said, they’re certainly no mugs. James Hardy, who as a youngster was one of the brightest prospects in non-League football before injuries interrupted his progress, signed for the club in June having formerly been on loan with them from Chester. If he can stay fit he’ll be influential in midfield.
Other threats come from ex-Sheffield United centre forward Diego di Girolamo, who averages over a goal every two games for Buxton, and fellow striker Jason Gilchrist, formerly of Southport.
Ex-York left back Sean Newton adds bags of experience, know-how and capability in defence.
In fact, the more you look at them the better they seem.
Oh, and I think I suggested in pre-season that Chorley wouldn’t have a player called Zak Lilly, they’d have Zak Granite or Zak Nasty. Well, Buxton do actually have a Josh Granite in defence.
They’ve started well too – unbeaten so far with a win against Curzon Ashton and draws with Peterborough and Leamington. Admittedly the fixture computer was kind in handing them those three as their first National League North matches, but they’ve obviously acquitted themselves well. Ahead of the Leamington game Vermiglio described them (Leamington) as a ‘good passing side’, so since leaving Chorley he’s clearly actually gone insane, which should help the Hereford cause.
However, this is all about the hosts turning up and meaning business from the kick-off, because it was clearly the Scarborough plastic pitch that was the problem all along, which means that other than at Bradford there shouldn’t be another hiccup all season.
As well as AAH seemingly coming through Tuesday's game unscathed, there have been no reports of any niggles elsewhere in the squad, so although strength in depth may still be an aspiration, a full-strength first team is starting to look like an attractive and effective proposition. What a difference a narrow win at a little club like Chester makes.
In terms of that depth of quality within the squad, a solution could have been found very close to home with the signing this week of Mark Derricott and Harrison Summers, who have come through the HFC youth set-up. If they show that they've got what it takes, they can plug holes when the vultures from York, Brackley and Boston start circling in winter for any first-teamers not on contracts. Makes a change from Yeovil and Cheltenham I suppose.
I really think things might click all over the pitch here to ignite the season. It would be nice to see big Ty and AAH both starting, and the team having a right good go at it in front of the home fans. It’s been a while since a visiting team were ripped to pieces.
There, cursed!
COYW