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| Lewis Hudson's goal was nothing more than a consolation for the hosts |
Hereford slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Scarborough Athletic at the Valley Stadium in Redditch, with Lewis Hudson’s stoppage-time effort proving only a late consolation.
New boss Aaron Downes, looking for Hereford’s first back-to-back wins of the season, made one change to the side that beat Darlington 1-0 midweek, with Gus Mafuta replaced by Harley Hamilton.
The Seadogs started the stronger of the two sides and threatened inside 20 minutes. Theo Richardson produced a smart save to deny Alex Brown, while Dom Tear fired into the side netting from a tight angle as the visitors applied early pressure.
Scarborough’s breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute as Rio Allan’s corner sailed over Richardson and into the net to give the Yorkshire side the lead.
Hereford responded and should have levelled before the half-hour. George Munday did well on the right to pick out Andy Williams in space, but the striker lifted his effort over the bar from close range. Keenan Quansah also saw a header drift across goal as the Bulls enjoyed a better spell of possession.
However, Scarborough struck again five minutes before the break. After a period of Hereford pressure, the visitors broke forward and worked the ball wide, with the cross eventually finding Stephen Walker, who converted from close range to make it 2-0 at the interval.
Half time: Hereford 0 - Scarborough Athletic 2
The Bulls began the second half with intent and almost reduced the deficit immediately, but Harley Hamilton headed over when well placed. Chances then became limited, though Tear fizzed an effort narrowly over the crossbar midway through the half, and Alex Purver later attempted an audacious lob from distance that Richardson gathered comfortably.
Both sides made changes as the half wore on, but Scarborough looked relatively comfortable protecting their advantage in front of a crowd of 964.
Hereford did pull one back deep into stoppage time. A free-kick was delivered into the area and Quansah headed the ball back across goal, where substitute Hudson forced it over the line.
It was too late to spark a comeback with the second half largely a non-event, with the Bulls falling to their 14th defeat of the season.
Full time: Hereford 1 - Scarborough Athletic 2
Attendance: 964
Sponsors' man of the match: Freddy Willcox
The result leaves the Bulls 23rd in the table, while Scarborough remain sixth as their play-off push continues. Aaron Downes still faces an uphill battle to save the Bulls from relegation this season, with the side still eight points adrift.
The game was always going to be a tough test against a well-drilled, organised and promotion-chasing Scarborough. Hereford will now be looking to bounce back on Tuesday, though it's another tough one as they face Chester at Sixways - only a 66-mile round trip from Edgar Street, as opposed to today's 96.
Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Quansah, Preston (Howkins 87’), Wilcox, Hudson, Hamilton (Martin 55’), Tustin, Daly; Williams (Rooney 70’), Munday (Donawa 70’)
Subs not used: Lewis, D’Ath
Scarborough Athletic: Whitley, Weledji (Duckworth 87’), Thornton, Allan Bennett 68’), A. Purver, Walker (Colville 68’), Green (Chapman 75’), Tear (Thomas 87’), Brown, Waldron, Hull
Sub not used: Gibson-Booth.