BUILDING MOMENTUM?
The Bulls overcame Southport at a very windy Haig Avenue today, a single goal in the 67th minute by Aaron Skinner from the penalty spot being enough to secure the three points. In the closing stages Southport put the Bulls under some pressure from corners and free kicks, but the defence stayed strong and held out for an excellent win.
The Bulls lined up as follows: in front of Theo Richardson a back four of James, Howkins, Merrett and Skinner, with Skins on the left side to cover for the absence of captain Hudson. Bitemo had the holding role in midfield, Phillips and Martin the wide players, Tustin and Spokes central, and Waldron the lone striker in what I guess was a 4-1-4-1 formation. Cawley Cox was on the bench due to an injury concern, and the coaching staff were certainly putting him through some extensive stretching routines in the warm-up.
The game was only two minutes old when an error by Martin presented the ball to Ogwuru, but he couldn’t capitalise on it, his attempt to put Dwyer through was too strong and went out of play. In the 5th minute Waldron and then Howkins saw their efforts blocked after a corner. Southport then had to make an early change, Dwyer limping off holding his hamstring, to be replaced by Burgess.
The game became extremely scrappy, broken up by frequent free kicks for minor offences. The wind was blowing straight down the pitch towards Theo’s goal, and his long kicks were only just crossing halfway before being beaten back. As the half wore on, Theo began playing it out for Howkins or Merrett for them to loft the ball forward. Whatever the approach, high balls towards Waldron brought little result, and weren’t a profitable tactic.
Tustin and Phillips were combining well on the right hand side and Tustin got into a number of good positions in the box. On the 11th minute he hit the floor, prompting a half hearted penalty appeal, and in the 18th he worked a scoring opportunity but was called back by the ref for a minor push. Neither side were creating many clear cut chances, the home side’s best came from a 42nd minute corner flicked over the bar by Williams. Just before that Bitemo received a yellow card for a high boot, this coming shortly after receiving a lecture from the ref, so maybe he should have known better to risk his disapproval again.
There were two minutes added on, which weren’t any more entertaining than the first fortyfive, and the players went in for their half time cup of tea or whatever they drink these days with the game still goalless.
Half time: Southport 0 Hereford 0
One change for Hereford at the break, Bitemo was replaced by Williamson, presumably to save the ref the trouble of sending him off at some point. This necessitated a reshuffle, with Tustin going into the holding role and Williamson hugging the left touchline.
The Bulls started well, putting some good moves together. A corner was awarded to penalise Honor for taking too long over a goal kick. Martin’s wind assisted inswinger looked to be heading in, but Honor redeemed himself by clearing from under his own crossbar. Skinner was getting forward well and causing some problems, but Hereford still weren’t turning the pressure into chances. Richardson took a free kick from well inside the Hereford half, hoofing it forward and, with the wind playing a part, deceiving Honor, but the ball went wide of the goal.
Iwunze came on for Waldron who hadn’t really made much of a mark on the game. Iwunze’s pace could have been a threat, but he didn’t get the service he needs, through balls for him to run onto, not high balls aimed at his head. The Bulls then got a couple of shots on goal, firstly a nice little curler from Williamson cutting inside onto his right foot, and then a well hit free kick from Spokes. Honor was equal to both efforts.
In the 67th minute the Bulls got the breakthrough. Howkins was up for a corner as usual and was brought down in the box.
Howkins was then involved at the other end, making a good clearance to break up a Southport attack. Then Southport came close to equalising when Richardson blocked a low cross that flashed in from the left but pushed it straight onto the head of Edwards. Fortunately, it came to him so quickly he didn’t have time to adjust, and the ball flew over the bar.
The Bulls’ best chance to double the advantage came when Honor, who was having quite an eventful game, got it horribly wrong when preparing to kick down field, allowing Iwunze to seize possession, but the keeper did just enough to push him away from the goal and stifle the chance. Iwunze then made a good run, wriggling along the touchline but his cutback flashed across the penalty area without a team mate anywhere near it. Then Phillips had a couple of good efforts blocked in quick succession.
Southport staged a bit of a revival towards the end, putting some pressure on the Hereford goal, but it all went wrong for them when Perritt chopped Phillips down as he attempted to break away and got a straight red. Interestingly Perritt still got the Man of the Match award, although I doubt that was much consolation.
There were six additional minutes and Southport continued to press for the equaliser, but the defence held out for a hard fought victory.
Full time: Southport 0 Hereford 1
Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Merrett, Martin (Cox 82), Tustin, Waldron (Iwunze 62), Spokes, James, Bitemo (Williamson 45), Phillips, Howkins
Subs: Roberts, Lewis, Tolley, Jones
Southport: Honor, Minihan, Williams, Jameson, Dwyer, Levelle, L Griffiths, R Griffiths, Perritt, McKenzie, Ogwuru
Subs: McMillan, Edwards, Pike, Burgess, Davies, Orisakwe, Beswick
Is it too early to say that Hereford are building some momentum? We mustn’t get carried away but it does feel very different from last season. One of the most pleasing aspects is the defence – only one goal conceded in five games is very impressive. The effort and commitment is unquestionable, and while I think we need some more attacking options, we can be pleased that this run of good results has come despite having three players out with long term injuries and players in key positions suspended.
Man of the match? has to be Howkins or Skinner. Howkins won every single header – he must have a skull made of iron – plus he made some vital blocks and clearances and won the penalty. Skinner defended extremely well and was part of a lot of good attacking moves, all while playing on the left, instead of his normal right back role. Plus, he scored the pen, so on balance I’d give it to Skinner.
Honourable mention to Tustin, who played different roles in each half and didn’t look out of place in the number 6 position in the second forty five minutes.
Number 2 for the home side was Pike. Plenty of scope for a comedy moment if he got booked. Fans of Dad’s Army should get the reference.
Oh, and I nearly forgot, the pies. The meat and potato pie was perfectly acceptable without being outstanding. Seven out of ten, and strong cup of builders’ tea to wash it down.
Harwood Bull