Match Report: Darlington v Hereford

Hereford were edged out at Darlington, in an evenly-fought, scrappy match that could’ve gone either way.

After a number of postponements, Hereford came into this match announcing that on-loan goalkeeper Tom Donaghy is as to stay for another month, while Cosmos Matwasa’s time with the Bulls had come to an end. Given the number of players returning from injury in recent weeks, and the recent additions of Dylan Mitchell, Jaiden White and Ryan Bartley, it’s no surprise that Paul Caddis opted to slim down numbers.

Hereford made two changes with Sammy Robinson returning from injury to replace Matt Preston, while Declan McGlynn made his first start. Among Darlington’s starting eleven was Jack Lambert, on-loan from Kidderminster Harriers.

Talking of postponements, this match was never in doubt. The pitch, while muddy in places, looked in decent condition under the Blackwell Meadow lights.

A slow first half didn’t really lead to flowing football or many clear cut changes. Jason Cowley fired just wide after 16 minutes, while Darlington’s best effort came late in the half, on the break, leading to Hereford goalkeeper Donaghy punching it away.

In the final minute of the half, Hereford earned a free kick on the edge of the box. The Bulls appealed for a penalty, and pictures suggest the foul was inside the area. Ultimately, the opportunity came to nothing with the sides goalless at the break.

The second period was livelier, with Cowley’s effort from 20 yards out tipped over by Pete Jameson. But it was the home side who opened the scoring. Jack Lambert picked up the ball, and from an acute angle, he fired it onto the far post. Donaghy tried backtracking, but he couldn’t stop the ball crossing the line and Darlington taking the lead.

Four minutes later, Hereford were level again. This time, Declan McGlynn found himself in space, and drilled in a low shot at the far post to notch his first Hereford goal.

Jaiden White created an opportunity after plenty of hard work on the flank, but the goalkeeper was equal to his effort.

Then with eight minutes left to play, Darlington earned a free kick just outside the box. Will Hatfield stepped up, and struck it brilliantly, to make it 2-1.

With several stoppages and a series of substitutes, seven minutes were added at the end of the game. But Hereford couldn’t cut through the Darlington defence, and they travel home from Blackwell Meadows pointless for the fourth time this decade.

Darlington: Jameson, Barrow, Lees, Forbes, Hatfield, Maskell, Main (Salkeld, 74), Flint, Lambert (Cornish, 61), Griffiths (Hedley, 68), Kelly (Platt, 87). Unused sub: Rivers.

Hereford: Donaghy, Hudson, D’Ath (Babos, 83), Cowley (Rose, 77), White, Ceesay, Mitchell, McGlynn, Robinson (Rooney, 87), Howkins, Bartley. Unused subs: Derricott, Teixeira.