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Williamson Watches As His Shot Flies Into The Top Corner Of The Net
Hereford FC Match Report
Bromsgrove Sporting v Hereford FC in a pre-season friendly.
After the impressive draw against local rivals Sky Bet League Two Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday night at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium the Bulls travelled to Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Central side Bromsgrove Sporting and the The UK Electrical Stadium for their final pre-season friendly of the campaign.
The Rouslers had former Bulls Simeon Maye, Jaden Charles, Jake Jervis and player coach Jordan Lyden in their ranks.
Aaron and Harry made two changes with Kam Kandola and Keziah Martin coming into the starting XI following the draw with the Shrews, Will Merrett also made his second appearance after his debut against the Shrews following his loan move from Forest Green Rovers and as with all the previous friendlies there was a selection of U18's on the bench.
Hereford had a corner on the right early on, Martin delivered but it was headed away by former Bull Simeon Maye.
There was then a period where both sides traded possession before a heavy challenge by Joe Doyle-Charles and Lewis Hudson near the right touchline midway inside the Hereford half which resulted in both players having to go off, Kyle Howkins coming on for Lewis Hudson in the 12th minute and Joe Doyle-Charles was replaced by Lamin Barrow a minute later.
The best opening thus far came on 25 minutes when Luke Spokes found space on the edge of the box before sliding in Liam Roberts but the Fleetwood Town loanee's drive flew right across the face of goal.
Five minutes later and the Rouslers we're screaming for a penalty after a neat turn by Lamin Barrow inside the box on the right before he went down under a challenge by Kam Kandola but the referee waved the appeals away before Josh Dugmore went in for a heavy challenge near the right corner flag on Preston Bitemo and received a yellow card.
Simone Maye had the best chance for the hosts from the edge of the box on 37 minutes but his shot was saved by Theo Richardson diving to his right.
On 44 minutes Bromsgrove hit the woodwork after Brad Bood headed a ball back across the face of goal towards Lamin Barrow who's outstretched effort rattled the base of the post meaning it was goalless going into the half-time interval with it being feisty at times but it was a half devoid of clear cut chances.
Half-time: Bromsgrove Sporting 0-0 Hereford FC
The second-half started with the Rouslers on the front foot with Lamin Barrow playing the ball to Billy Shaw, his backheel found Dan Trickett-Smith who from 20-yards let fly which Theo Richardson saved well palming his effort away for a corner.
On 51 minutes the Bulls best chance to find a breakthrough after a great cross from the left fizzed across the face of the box by Liam Roberts to Cawley Cox who's first time shot from six yards crashed off the crossbar.
Bromsgrove’s Billy Shaw then fizzed a shot from a tight angle inside the box on the right which went high over the bar.
With 30 minutes remaining a double substitution for the Bulls with Liam Roberts being replaced by Jordan Williamson and Kam Kandola making way for the returning Aaron Skinner for his first appearance of pre-season after recovering from injury.
On 64 minutes substitute Jordan Williamson broke the deadlock for Hereford with a sublime right foot finish into the right side of the net for his first goal for the club.
The Rouslers had a good chance to equalise after Will Merrett lost the ball in the centre circle, Lamin Barrow was played in chopping the ball onto his right foot before Theo Richardson pulled off a brilliant strong left handed save to keep Hereford's lead in tact.
Bromsgrove almost did drew level when former Bull Simone Maye then ran onto a loose ball 30-yards out hitting a brilliant half volley which rattled the right post before Preston Bitemo was replaced by Jack Tolley on 74 minutes.
Keziah Martin had the final opportunity of the contest when he fizzed a powerful shot from 30-yards out which was initially fumbled by Bromsgrove goalkeeper Tony Breeden, the rebound fell to Cawley Cox but he couldn't make a clean connection and Breeden collected before Cox was replaced by Harry Jones.
In the end a bit of quality by Jordan Williamson was the difference between the two sides.
Full-time: Bromsgrove Sporting 0-1 Hereford FC
Goal scored by Jordan Williamson with his first goal for the club.
Hereford FC Starting XI:- 1 Theo Richardson, 3 Lewis Hudson ©️, 4 Kam Kandola, 5 Will Merrett, 7 Keziah Martin, 9 Cawley Cox, 14 Luke Spokes, 18 Liam Roberts, 17 Joseph James, 20 Preston Bitemo, 23 Billy Phillips.
Substitutes:- 2 Aaron Skinner, 15 Jordan Williamson, 21 Ollie Lewis, 24 Jack Tolley, 28 Kyle Howkins, Harry Jones, Josh Lloyd, Kayode Sahabi, Harley Jones Williams, Jude Gaudin.
The Bulls rounded out a overall success pre-season campaign with another good workout on the road against the Rouslers. Another encouraging performance backing up a good win and solid clean sheet to head into the Enterprise National League North.
That's the pre-season schedule done and dusted with attentions swiftly turning to the big kick-off and the opening day in the Enterprise National League North as we head to The Tarmac Silverlands Stadium to take on Buxton FC. COYW
Words: Sam Cummins