A patched up Hereford side held on after scoring the only goal at Ilkeston last night. They had some defending to do with a large number of corners to deal with especially in one particular spell in the second half.
And whilst Adam Rooney will hit the headlines with his goal mention should be made of keeper Aaron Chapman who made two note worthy saves, one in each half, to keep a clean sheet and a game at Bishop Stortford in the next round of the FA Cup.
On a quite warm and dry September evening with the moon rising over the stadium the game was played on a 4G pitch.
And the referee was a different one from the one who was in charge at Edgar Street last Saturday.
Manager Paul Caddis made five changes to the starting eleven bringing in Aaron Skinner, Lawson D'Ath, Cosmos Matwasa, Adam Rooney and Ahkeem Rose. He could only name six substitutes.
Hereford played towards the majority of the home crowd in the first half. Although there was no segregation as such Hereford supporters were scattered around the ground.
The Bulls started brightly, or certainly much brighter than last Saturday. A free kick taken by Alex Babos came to nothing before Ahkeem Rose found the home keeper out of position but could not capitalise.
Rooney headed towards Mason before Babos had a chance to put the Bulls ahead. However he was a bit heavy with a touch and Mason was able to collect.
At this stage it was mostly Hereford with Ilkeston having to continually defend
Another free kick to Hereford after Hudson was upended but Babos's kick was easily cleared. Then a chance for the home side. A short corner and the ball found Marshall who forced Chapman into a good save low to his right.
On 30 minutes Skinner appeared to twist his ankle and could not continue. Chay Tilt took his place.
Daniel tried his luck from range but it was well over Chapman's bar.
On 40 minutes Hereford took the lead. A scramble just outside the area the ball eventually finding its way to Rooney who unleased a powerful shot from 20 yards, the keeper well beaten.
Ilkeston came close to equalising just before the break but the final touch let them down
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| Possible Hand Ball? |
After the break Ilkeston seemed to step up a gear. They had to score to keep the game alive. Appeals for a handball were turned down and then three corners tested the visitors.
There were chances for Dixon, Walker and Cursons.
Caddis brought on Preston for D'Ath. Then Ilkeston had a shout for a penalty when Parker fell in the area.On 79 minutes Williams replaced Rose.
Half chances at either end with both defences having to be ultra alert.
Ceesay replaced Matwasa before Chapman tipped a long range effort over the bar.
Deep into stoppage time Babos was hurt in a clash with a Ilkeston defender. Aurio Teixeira took his place.
There was relief in the Hereford camp as the final whistle was blown. They had withstood a battering and Ilkeston may feel unlucky the game didn't go to extra time.
But goals win games. Hereford scored, Ilkeston didn't.
Hereford: Chapman, Robinson, Howkins, Hudson, Campbell, Skinner, Babos, D'ath, Matwasa, Rooney, Rose.
Subs: Horton, Derricott, Preston, Teixeira, Tilt, Williams.
Attendance 723 with perhaps 70/80 following Hereford.