Bulls Match Lynn In The Rain

Alex Babos Opened The Scoring For Hereford

Who would have thought at the end of last season that a virually new Hereford squad playing at one of the most fancied sides in the National North League on the first day of the season would come away with a well deserved point?

Well it happened at Kings Lynn yesterday on a wet day which was more like late October than the first Saturday in August.

Manager Paul Caddis had worked hard to put together his new squad. But he was still without four probable first-team players for the game and has had to bring in several players this week to boost his numbers.

But mid-week there was some good news. Striker Jason Cowley wanted to play despite missing out last Saturday. And after some fitness tests Caddis gave him the nod.

There was a one minute silence for former Conference secretary John Moules immediately before kick-off.

Play commenced and within seven minutes the Bulls had scored.

Before the goal Connor Stanley was brought down. He and left back Jordan Cranston already looked lively going forward.

Stanley had the ball near the corner flag and moved it back to Cranston who found Babos in the area. The midfielder rose and headed the ball past Paul Jones.

Just seven minutes in and a goal for Hereford in the first game of the season away. It doesn't get much better.

Three minutes later and it might have been an equaliser. Captain Nathan Cameron appeared to push a Lynn player, Stephens, right on the edge of the box and was yellow carded. 

Luckily the free-kick struck Adam Livingstone and safety. 

Play was fairly even at this stage. Jones dropped a cross from Livingstone whilst Rooney was on the floor in the box. Then another free kick to Hereford after Cowley was fouled, Cranston took it but Cameron charging forward couldn't get to it.

On 27 minutes Lynn scored. A ball from Hughes found Ponticelli who appeared to stumble then recover before slotting past Pond from the right. Lynn were back in the game.

There's little doubt Paul Caddis will use his influence from the dug-out on the game as much as he can. 

And yesterday he was given a yellow card for kicking the ball away. No doubt he slowed the game down for a minute or so to allow his players time to settle. He said afterwards it might not be the only one he receives this season.

Livingstone tried his luck from the right and was inches wide. Stanley was brought down and Cranston hoisted the free kick towards the area. He has a useful left foot. Babos had a chance just before the break but it flew over.

HT: Kings Lynn 1 Hereford 1.

The rain continued as the player came out for the second half with no changes made by Caddis.

A foul on Livingstone, with Hughes booked. Jones didn't catch the free kick cleanly but Adam Rooney was unable to take advantage. 

Babos had a long range shot which was a bit too high.

Then a few minutes of sustained Lynn pressure which led to their second goal although even then Cowley nearly dispossessed a defender.

Hereford failed to clear far enough and the ball fell to Barrett.He pushed it through to Ponticelli whose shot to the left of Pond gave the Hereford keeper little chance.

One of the characteristics of Caddis's squad is that, so far, they respond. And it was no more than a minute later that the scores were level again.

From the re-start the ball came to Livingstone who then squared it to Cowley. The striker shot from fifteen or so yards beating Jones.

It was anyone's guess who would score next. Pond had to be at his best on several occassions but then under pressure a Lynn defender gave away a corner following a Cowley cross which was destined for Livingstone. 

And it was Livingstone again in the mix when he tangled with a defender in the box.

Just before the final whistle Rooney might have scored after a cross from substitute Orrina - I thought it was Anaebonam.

A very enjoyable game to watch with both sides having chances to win. On balance Caddis would be the happier manager. Coming to Kings Lynn and taking away a point is a decent start.

Difficult to pick out a man of the match. Perhaps a good sign in that most of the players put in a good shift. Some might single out Babos, after all he scored the first all important goal. Others might mention Pond who had to be at his best late in the game.

There may have been a case of substituting Teixeira earlier. He didn't look at ease at times in the second half. Eventually Caddis took him off and brought on Dylan Barkers.

Caddis also replaced Cowley with on loan striker Tom Hewlett but it was a bit late in the game for the Burton player to show what he can do.

Next is Darlington at Edgar Street on Saturday. Will the gate top 3,000? After yesterday it should. 

Hereford: Pond, Livingstone, Derricott, Cameron, Cranston, Stanley, Babos, Teixeira, Southern, Rooney, Cowley

Subs: Bakers, Hewlett, Orrina, Arthur, Singh 

Attendance: 1392 with around 300 in the away areas. Update Monday 323 Hereford supporters.