Comfortable on Plastic

Keeper Can Only Look As Livingstone's Free Kick Sails In

Yes really, comfortable on plastic. Hereford strolled through the afternoon looking the better side throughout. Could it be that the Caddis changes mean that the Bulls will be picking up more points on 4G? Perhaps, Redditch looked more than a level below and were also trying players out.

Hereford lined up with Pond; Southern, captain Cameron, Derricott, Cranston, Anaebonam, Babos, Teixeira, Livingstone; Mendes, Arthur. On the bench were Skinner, Rooney, Stanley, White, and a Trialist. Hereford were the better team throughout with their players looking comfortable. 

Koby Arthur

Neither side looked to be fully “at it”. Several players on both sides were unattached and without contracts they would not want to get injured. Hereford took the lead when good work from Southern resulted in a cross which Mendes had to pivot and turn, a fine striker’s finish.

At half time Hereford took off Cranston, Cameron, Teixeira, and Arthur. Skinner came on and took the armband alongside Stanley, White and a trialist. Southern moved from full back to centre back. Anaebonam went up front, Skinner played left back. Hereford attacked consistently with the trialist showing their skills. Both Stanley and White looked good, getting dangerous crosses in. 

Livingstone converted a free kick just outside the box, Harrison barely moving so clean was the strike. Rooney replaced Babos, Anaebonam dropped back into midfield. 

Skinner was particularly impressive the skipper driving forward on the left having a shot which was handled which would have probably been a penalty with VAR, drawing a fine save from Harrison and having shots and crosses blocked. He was almost unplayable for fifteen minutes or so, cutting in from the left clearly suiting him.

On this form you would sign any of the trialists but Redditch were one of the weaker friendly opponents and former Bull Matt Clarke looks like he has a hard season ahead as manager. The crowd was about five hundred with about half of those present from the Shire. Man of the match was Derricott who strolled through the game. To my rheumy eyes he seems an inch taller and definitely more muscular. In the first half a Redditch forward gave him a shove as Mark shepherded the ball back. He took the hit and turned with the ball as if nothing had happened. He looks very much at home for the physical battles.

From what I have seen a first choice eleven ( assuming every one was fit) would be something like this:

Pond has done nothing wrong, good distribution. A low laser drop kick down the right in the first half almost broke the lines.

Skinner, this was his best performance but he battles hard even when playing tough opponents.

Cranston who looks a Rolls Royce at this level no wonder Fylde went up.

Cameron organises the lines.

Derricott the youngster looks at home.

Mendes flexible and full of energy.

Babos and Teixeira are the central partnership. Tidy players but for my liking a little too similar.

Williams I know he’s injured but quality behind ideally Cowley and Rooney.

The team need a loan striker for a few months and no doubt efforts will be made.

I would like a more muscular player in the middle of the field to take on the rough and tumble which half the division will engage in.

The Bulls have a good run of fixtures to start. Kings Lynn are operating to a lower budget, Darlington are tough. The next run though of Rushall, Blyth, Peterborough Sports and Tamworth are all likely to be bottom half sides and it would be no surprise if one or two of these were relegated.

Early September well give a clear indication of where the Bulls are at. Southport are the sort of nasty where necessary merchants who the Bulls have struggled to beat and Chester away will be the first really hard challenge. By then Hereford should easily be top half and really in the play off positions. Yet injuries and the challenges of signing cover players and the right sort of loanee will see Caddis diving into the deep end.

The organisation, structure and attitude so far mean the Bulls May no longer be treading water in National League North.