A Miles Storey double secured Hereford a 2-0 win over struggling Farsley Celtic. It could’ve been a much bigger victory, but instead the last few minutes were more nervous than they should’ve been.
Hereford were unchanged from the side that beat Scarborough 2-0, with Miles Storey and Aaron Amadi-Holloway up front ahead of the midfield diamond. But despite the upturn in performance by the Bulls on Saturday, lowly Farsley weren’t exactly a big draw for the Hereford faithful, with the windy conditions and rain a perfect combination for lots of people to stay at home! Nevertheless, the 1,423 inside Edgar Street were entertained by a spirited Hereford performance.
The Bulls were kicking towards the Meadow End in the first half, and should’ve been a goal up within four minutes. A corner was flicked goalwards by Orrin Pendley, and then an Amadi-Holloway header at the far post in front of an open goal somehow ended up sitting on top of the net, rather than nestling inside it.
Farsley were trapped in their own half in the early stages, with a Harry Pinchard shot cleared to Kane Thompson-Sommers, but his low drive from outside the area was pushed behind by the goalkeeper Max Dearnley. Minutes later, Levi Andoh’s cross-come-shot was tipped over, with Farsley restricted to breaking occasionally on the counter attack.
It took until the midway point of the half for Hereford to take the lead. Jack Evans and Ryan Lloyd combined well down the left, with a well delivered ball to the far post cut back by Amadi-Holloway for Storey to turn home from close range.
And two minutes later, the energetic Storey did it again. This time, a powerful, curling strike to make it 2-0!
With the away side fragile at the back, the Bulls continued to pressurise. Evans’ rising effort from the edge of the area was tipped over.
Levi Andoh tested the ‘keeper too. Other than the odd Farsley foray forward, Hereford dominated and should’ve been even further ahead at half time.
The momentum continued after the break, with Amadi-Holloway hauled down on the right flank, with defender Tom Allan booked for the foul. From the free kick, Hereford pressed and eventually won a corner.
Farsley tried to play slightly higher up the field to ease the pressure, and give away less space, but Josh Gowling’s men were faster and sharper. Dino Visser did grab hold of an awkward back-post header by Farsley’s Andy Butler, in a rare moment where the Hereford goalkeeper was called into action.
On 65 minutes, Kian Scales drilled narrowly wide for the away side; and then moment later, Pinchard went down. He needed treatment for the knock, but was able to continue. Jack Holmes came on for Thompson-Sommers.
But Hereford had allowed Farsley to start attacking, and play more football. It made for a nervous spell, and Gowling felt fresh legs were the answer with Ryan McLean replacing Storey. The pressure from Farsley continued, with Jack Spencer firing just over.
Amadi-Holloway With A Header Towards Goal
Hereford managed to see the game out and earn the points, but the dying stages were scrappy. With six minutes added on, Hereford seemed content to soak up pressure while Farsley smelt opportunity. The away side forced a late corner, which was hooked over the bar. Haines and Lloyd collected late yellow cards too.
It wasn’t pretty in the final stages, but ultimately Hereford remain unbeaten in 2023.
Hereford: Visser, Evans, Haines (capt), Thompson-Sommers (Holmes, 66) Lloyd, Amadi-Holloway (Barnett, 82), Pinchard, Storey (McLean, 76), Hanson, Pendley, Andoh. Unused subs: Wade, Thompson.
Farsley: Dearnley, Scales, Butroid, Johnson (Assenso, 73), Butler (capt), Teale, Allan, Atkinson (Turner, 62), Spencer, Ubaezuonu (Syers, 78), Parkin. Unused subs: Clayton, Wallace.
Attendance: 1,423, with 8 away fans.