Darlington picked up three crucial points in their fight to avoid relegation against a Hereford side who were unable to break through in this keenly-fought encounter.
A goal in each half for the home side was sufficient to beat Hereford, who have to thank goalkeeper Curtis Pond for keeping the scoreline to 2-0.
Paul Caddis attempted to turn the match around with three attack-minded substitutions in the second half, and it almost had the desired effect, before a breakaway goal by Matty Cornish sealed Hereford’s fate.
The Bulls were boosted by the return of Jason Cowley after a three match ban, while Maz Kouhyar and Nathan Cameron also started. Steve Watson’s Darlington struggled to contain a lively Hereford in the early stages but neither side really threatened to open the scoring.
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| Maz Kouhyar |
A counter attack on 25 minutes by debutant Cedric Main, who cut in from the right, led to Darlington’s opener. Ben Liddle drilled home a low shot, after being left in space.
Darlington could’ve doubled the advantage minutes later, when Ben Hedley’s attempt from outside the area went inches wide.
Hereford struggled to turn their possession into clear-cut chances, and that trend continued into the second period. Although a moment of hesitation from Darlington goalkeeper Tommy Taylor almost let Cowley though, he clambered to stop an effort. Taylor also kept out a header from Kyle Howkins, following a Kouhyar free kick.
Darlington - well versed in using the counter attack - hit the post through substitute Cameron Salkeld, and then lively winger Jonny Ngandu forced Pond into a stunning save. Pond also kept out a low shot from Hadley.
That spurred the Hereford bench into action. Andy Williams replaced Tope Obadeyi, followed by the introduction of Alex Babos and then Adam Rooney as the Bulls looked for an equaliser. It lifted Hereford, as they committed players forward, albeit leaving them short at the back. Williams’ sharpness of mind helped create opportunities, Cowley forced a low save from a corner, and Rooney almost poked an effort home with two minutes to go.
But cue Darlington on the counter, again. This time, Matty Cornish surged forward from the left channel to send a low drive past Pond and seal Darlington’s victory.
Darlington: Taylor, Hedley, Platt, Lees, Lawlor, Ngandu (Cornish, 77), Liddle (Moke, 73), Main, Nelson (Salkeld, 53), Hatfield, Griffiths. Subs: Curry, Siddik.
Hereford: Pond, Skinner, Teixeira (Babos, 73), Ceesay, Cowley, Kouhyar, Obadeyi (Williams, 62), Mendes, Southern (Rooney, 83), Cameron, Howkins. Subs: Livingstone, Tanor.
Attendance: 1,437
Referee: Declan Brown