The 3-1 win at Fylde saw the best team and individual performance of the season. Amongst many strong performances Aaron Amadi-Holloway produced in my opinion the best individual performance since the creation of Hereford FC. Aaron came back into the team from injury and was a class above everyone else on the field. Fylde’s Mo Faal had been banging in goals and getting good reviews. Amadi-Holloway easily won the physical battle. He had him in his pocket and Faal was substituted having made little impact.
Aaron’s game intelligence saw him time after time in the right place to intercept. Having been a striker he reads the game so comfortably. Plus his touch and control mean that it is not just a lump away. Sometimes slick control, a turn, twist and simple pass to a better placed mate. But at this level what stands out is how often Aaron turns the interception into a quality forward pass with one touch of the ball.
Again in the air as a striker he knows what sort of ball will come in so his head becomes a magnet. His strength saw him brushing aside every Fylde player who want to try and do battle.
Hereford’s first goal came partly from Aaron using his physical power to shoulder charge Faal so brutally that he crumpled onto the floor and bounced off the pitch. It was almost like an American Football hit. It allowed space for Latty-Fairweather to square for a Pendley ping which Fylde’s keeper misjudged allowing Ryan to score.
The second goal was a delicious slice of the ball expertly tucked away into the side netting, demonstrating his striking skills of old. The third goal started with Aaron brushing away Faal, winning possession and passing to McLean. A sublime fast passing move culminating in Barnett’s goal of the season contender.
Yet it was the comprehensive and magisterial defensive display which was the foundation of the victory. Fylde manager Murray complained that his team “had seventy per cent possession but did nothing with it.” How ungracious. Aaron didn’t let them do anything with it.
Aaron was utterly majestic the Virgil Van Dijk of the National League North.