Hereford came into the match in need of a cup run with league form disappointing fans. This was reflected in the lowest home gate of the season so far 1,425 with 137 Rouslers.
In goal Harvey Wiles-Richards came in as a loanee to cover for Tyler who had been called up by Wales under 21s.
At the back captain Hodgkiss, was joined by Haines and Pendley in the centre, with Latty-Fairweather at left back. Hanson and Lloyd sat in front, with McLean on the right, Pinchard returning to the free role and Caton making his first start wide left, with Barnett at the front.
Lilly, Storey and Amadi-Holloway dropped to the bench with Evans out of the match day squad and Derricott, Osideko, Klukowski and reserve keeper Osment completing the larger bench for the Cup.
There was a minute's silence for the Queen and then a quick rendition of one verse of the National Anthem. It is a mark of the Queen's impact that several present struggled to say King rather than Queen when singing. It will be quite a while before it does not seem strange to be singing King not Queen.
Hodgkiss combined well with McLean down the right and put a cross along the six yard box but nobody had responded and anticipated. Luke Haines started poorly with slightly skewed touches. However, when Bromsgrove striker Taylor got on to a ball over the top down the left and headed into the box, Luke stretched out a leg for an excellent challenge in dangerous circumstances.
Hereford were having the better of the play but not creating much. New boy Caton resembled Pa Njie in a reasonable touch, quickly passing the ball on but not making a substantial output and for a player with a reputation as a winger resisting opportunities to run at Bromsgrove's defence.
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| Caton With Latty-Fairweather To His Side |
Bromsgrove seemed to be slightly in a mode of being more concerned to keep a clean sheet and did not fully commit to having a go at Hereford with former Bulls McGrath captaining at centre back and Forsyth in the centre of midfield.
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| Forsyth Helps Stop A Shot From Mclean |
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| Minutes Later Harry Pinchard Ends Up On The Deck |
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| But Was He Brought Down? |
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| The Referee Was Well Placed |
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| But Didn't Give Anything |
The most memorable incident of the half was when Bromsgrove pumped a long ball down the inside left channel. Although keeper Wiles-Richards was clearly favourite Bromsgrove striker Mikey Taylor decided to sprint and try and close him down. He got close but the keeper kicked away just outside the box and in carrying through caught Taylor right in the groin. Taylor went down in agony but much to his credit he got up far quicker than might be expected, still in a lot of pain and did not ask the physiotherapist for assistance.
At half time Josh took Caton off and put on Storey. This inspired the twenty minutes or so of good play which was enough to win the game for the Bulls. Miles was, as he always is, at it, and suddenly both flanks were being given a thorough examination. Miles was working, here, there and everywhere to make for a more effective pressing game from the Bulls.
There were several nice interchanges between McLean, Pinchard, Storey and Barnett. The goal showed the front four combining cleverly. A ball went out for a throw just past the half way line on the right. Barnett was nearby and Bromsgrove half switched off thinking the main man would not be taking it. Tyrone sensed this and quickly took the throw to Pinchard. Harry moved inside and advanced in the inside right channel. Storey surged on the left drawing two of Bromsgrove's backline. McLean was available on the right. Harry looked at his options, held on to the ball drawing two Bromsgrove players to him and then stabbed a ball through to McLean. The ball was weighted to perfection. Just far enough ahead for Ryan to get there, and also released just as Ryan was running past the backline so avoiding offside. Ryan raced in and as one Bulls fan said made his trademark finish. So many of Ryan's goals are where he draws the keeper and calmly passes low into the net. With ice in his veins he slid the ball between keeper Taylor's legs.
Hereford looked dominant and soon after McLean having won possession near the corner flag ran along the touchline and passed to Storey who had his effort blocked on the line when it looked easier to score.
Hereford were playing coherently and looked likely to double their advantage. Barnett was taken off and Amadi-Holloway came on, which reduced the amount of pressing.
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| Mclean Could Have Doubled Hereford's Lead |
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| With This Shot |
Bromsgrove made a double substitution with Perkins and Wright replaced by Fry and Byrne. Bromsgrove were not getting strikes on target but almost scored through a freak moment. Pendley is very much a man with a put it in Row Z if in doubt approach. Making a routine clearance inside the box he whacked the ball but a Bromsgrove attacker closed him down and the ball shot towards goal just inside the post. Wiles-Richards showed brilliant reactions to throw himself across and push the ball away.
Bromsgrove's best chance came when captain McGrath rose high from a corner and headed thankfully over the bar when he should have done better.
Bromsgrove replaced Forsyth with Barnes-Homer. Man of the match McLean was subbed to warm applause with Lilly coming on as Hereford closed the game out.
This was an uninspiring game. There was a quarter of the game where Hereford's front four combined well and they looked fluid but for the most part there was limited quality on show. Wiles-Richards did everything well on his debut and his outstanding reaction save clinched the victory. Pendley looks the best centre back. He is not as good a footballer as Haines or Lilly but he is a better defender, especially with his aerial abilities.
Latty-Fairweather got forward well in the first half, he stayed more at home in the second half but continues to look a decent player. Pinchard frustrated with poor corners and other slips but when he produces match winning passes he redeems himself. Up front Bulls fans are beginning to wonder how long it will take for Amadi-Holloway to get fit. It is a little like Pearce last season where it seems the answer will be months not weeks. At present Aaron seems good for an hour from the start, or half an hour coming off the bench. His silky control and clever movement hint at possibilities with one clever pass played through to McLean. However, when he is on the pitch there is not the same intensity provided by the relentless Barnett.
The win was much needed after recent poor results and Bulls fans will look forward to the draw on Tuesday.