Williamson Put Pegasus Ahead
Hereford took a strong side to the ever friendly Pegasus. Visitors were welcomed with a volunteer warning of ice at the bottom of the stairs to the turnstile. The game started in below zero temperatures and got colder during the game. 146 hardy fans were roughly split equally between the teams. The Bulls set up with Osment; Derricott, Vine, Klukowski, Groves; McLean, Justice, Holmes, Onyeka; Barnett (c), Osideko. On the bench were Davies, Johnston, Marsh, Thompson and Gwillim.
Both sides ran hard early on possibly to get warm in the icy environment. However neither side could fashion a strike on goal, Holmes was booked for dissent. Gradually Hereford got a little more control and Derricott was able to push on down the right and put in some good crosses. This was much like Hereford’s first team with pleasant passing but no cutting edge.
Pegasus looked just as good. Although Hereford had notionally better players it was striking how much more cohesive Peggy were as a team. Hereford needed a number 6 in front of the defence to keep things ticking over and feed the more offensive players. Gowling coached debutant Onyeka throughout on where he wanted him to play and when to press. Osideko did nothing to stand out and was substituted for Davies.
Hereford created their best chance a clever chipped ball into the box met expertly on the half volley by Barnett. Keeper Loader made a fine save low down at his near post. Suddenly it seemed the Bulls might break through. This was reinforced when a ball found Onyeka charging into the box with only Loader to beat. The ball was bouncing but a dink or a low drill would almost certainly have scored. Instead Tyreece opted for power skying over the bar.
Pegasus came back with a shot on goal saved by Osment. Then former Bull Moreira twisted down the left got to the byline entered the box and appeared to have beaten Vine. Ben stretched out a leg for a clear penalty as Moreira went over it. Osment had a conversation with Williamson but could not put him off scoring, sending Seb the wrong way.
Barnett appeared to twist on the plastic and went down. Gowling called on Osment to kick the ball out so Gwillim could replace Tyrone. Pegasus started timewasting. The lead fired them up and they threw bodies at the ball catching several Bulls before referee finally booked someone. Fletcher the culprit but several other fouls were nasty. Pegasus had something to hold on to and raised their game. Hereford did not.
Marsh came on for Klukowski who had done little offensively. Hereford were over hitting balls which ran away on the plastic. A loose ball fell to Williamson who channelling Roberto Carlos hit a superb shot from 30 yards out on the right. The ball started off outside the left post and swerved in to finish in the top left corner. Osment was helpless.
This was a disappointing Hereford performance. Unable to fashion enough chances and few players enhanced their reputations. Derricott did some good work down the right and was untroubled at centre back when Klukowski went off. He looks ready for Buxton. Vine showed good pace but should not have given away the penalty which was the decisive moment of the match. Man of the match was Osment who had no chance with either goal and made some good stops. He constantly called out to his teammates seeking to organise and encourage them.
Pegasus were deserved winners and did not look three divisions below Hereford. They now must be one of the favourites for the County Cup.