Sometimes, you have to win ugly. Yes, we all crave to be entertained but sometimes the gritty 1-0 wins are just as important as a 2-0 or 3-0.
And that is exactly what happened at The New Bucks Head. On paper, Hereford should have won easily when you see that Telford are languishing at the bottom of the table with only seven points to their name. In fact, five of those points came in the opening month, with their solitary win coming in the very first game.
But as was proved in Hereford's previous game against Kettering and the match at Bradford PA three weeks ago, games are not won on paper. Therefore, even though yesterday's 1-0 win at Telford was not pretty on the eye - the second half particularly being a tough watch - it could prove crucial come the end of the season. Win on Tuesday against Peterborough Sports and only goal difference will separate them and the final play-off place. Unless they win by six goals that is!
Shortly before the match, Hereford announced that former loanee Callum Rowe had rejoined the club and went straight into the starting line-up. The left-back - who was deployed in midfield - previously joined the Bulls from Aston Villa in January 2021 and went on to play for Yeovil and Salisbury.
Elsewhere, Brad Wade returned in goal for the first time since injuring his shoulder in the defeat to Gloucester on August Bank Holiday Monday. Manager Josh Gowling decided not to name a goalkeeper on the bench, meaning that Dale Eve was not in the matchday squad. Jared Hodgkiss was out due to injury, so Tyrone Barnett wore the captain's armband. Telford meanwhile made six changes from the team that lost 3-0 to Blyth last week which included two debutants. Mo Faal, who had a short spell at Hereford, was on the bench.
Prior to the game, a minute's silence was observed to remember those who had fallen ahead of Remembrance Sunday while serving their country. A trumpeter also played The Last Post.
Telford had a couple of chances in the first few minutes before Matty Brown shot just wide. Thierry Latty-Fairweather - who also returned to the starting line-up for Hereford - was booked in the 12th minute following a reckless challenge.
Barnett then headed over before Hereford took the lead in the 16th minute.
Telford goalkeeper Luke Pilling failed to tip Harry Pinchard's free-kick over the bar, and then failed to grasp on to the ball. Ryan McLean was on hand to bundle home the rebound. Cue delirium in the busy away end at the other end of the ground, with a white smoke bomb being let off on the pitch.
One would think Hereford would then kick on, but the Bulls failed to create too many inroads in the home box. Their frustration was summed up by Jack Evans being the second Bulls player to be booked. Despite only scoring 11 goals all season, as long as it was only 1-0, Telford were always in the game. Wade was forced into a save just past the half-hour mark, while the Hereford number one had to be alert to catch a long ball.
Then, in first half stoppage time, both sides had glorious chances. First, Barnett made a vital challenge to deny Nate Blissett from scoring for the home side, while at the other end, Pilling denied McLean from grabbing his second goal of the game after the Bulls winger was clean through.
That missed chance for Hereford provided Telford with a lifeline as, if the Bulls had gone into the break 2-0 up then you would think that would be game, set and match.
The Bucks came out at the start of the second half revitalised and they had a chance to equalise straight away. Instead, Orrin Pendley was on hand to clear to prevent Jason Oswell from scoring. Then, Wade made a fine save to deny Harry Flowers, with the resulting shot clipping the top of the crossbar.
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| Telford Blue Mist |
Wade was again forced into action on the hour-mark to save a Brendon Daniels free-kick before Flowers headed wide. Another save from Hereford's keeper then occurred in the 74th minute before Daniels had an effort blocked.
Hereford needed a second goal to finally put the game to bed, but they hardly got into Telford's half, and it was the home side who looked like getting an unlikely point. And their task was greater helped when McLean saw red five minutes from time by what the referee deemed to be a reckless challenge on Devarn Green. Even though I was stood at the other end of the ground, from my position it looked like a harsh decision. Yes, it was late but it didn't look cynical. Hopefully Hereford will appeal the decision otherwise McLean will be suspended for three matches.
Six additional minutes were added on, and Telford had a couple of chances to snatch an equaliser. First, Brown shot straight into the hands of Wade before the Bulls keeper made an excellent stop to turn Green's shot away. You wouldn't have known that Wade had been away for two-and-a-half months such was his fine performance.
The full-time whistle was then blown, and Hereford won 1-0. Overall, even though you would take the win, the performance wasn't great by Gowling's team, especially in the second half. Any other team would have taken at least one of Telford's chances, and you can see why they have been struggling for goals. Wade was excellent between the sticks, while McLean would feel hard done by with his sending off. The games are coming thick and fast and another three points are vital this coming Tuesday to propel the Bulls up the table.
Hereford: Wade, Evans, McLean, Amadi-Holloway, Pinchard (Derricott 90+3), Storey, Hanson, Pendley, Rowe (Haines 62), Barnett, Latty-Fairweather (Thompson 51),
Subs not used: Caton, Holmes.