Bulls fall to second defeat of the week as Alfreton fight for their lives

Hereford have lost their third game of Aaron Downes's reign, being beaten 2-1 in the relegation dog-fight at Alfreton Town this evening.

The Enterprise National League North clash got off to a horrendous start as Kyle Howkins and Aaron Skinner failed to deal with cross, leaving Lewis Salmon to open the scoring with just 11 seconds on the clock.

After a long throw wasn't dealt with, Nathan Newell rattled the crossbar with a rasping shot, and then forced Theo Richardson into a fingertip save, but it was in the 36th minute the hosts doubled their lead. Kai Lissimore got his name on the scoresheet when Hereford didn't effectively deal with a corner.

While they created chances in the first half, after the break, Hereford upped the ante and tried to find a way back into the game. With 68 minutes on the clock, George Munday latched onto a long ball over the top, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home to reduce the deficit.

The Bulls continued to push for the elusive equaliser but couldn't find a way to secure the point needed to get themselves out of the relegation zone. For Alfreton, fighting for their lives in 23rd, the win sees them now just four points from safety.