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| Preston Bitemo celebrates his goal with Aaron Skinner |
Against one of the division’s big‑spending, full‑time contenders, the Bulls were relentless, ruthless and, overall, worthy of the eye-catching scoreline. As a Billy Phillips hat-trick was complemented by goals from Preston Bitemo, Harrison Iwunze and Aaron Skinner - with the latter missing an injury time penalty to make it seven.
The tone was set inside two minutes as Luke Spokes drove through midfield and fed Harrison Iwunze, who was bundled over as he tried to control Preston Bitemo’s cross. As Shields tried to clear the ball, it smashed against Billy Phillips and spun beyond keeper Jasper Sheik to give the Bulls the perfect start.
The Mariners briefly threatened through Sam Ashford and Sean McGurk, but Hereford’s press suffocated them and falling behind so early had them rattled. There was a chance for Cox, who couldn't control his shot, but the second goal arrived on 21 minutes.
Aaron Skinner confidently beat his marker and sent a teasing cross towards Bitemo, whose half‑volley doubled the Bulls' advantage.
Billy Phillips, electric throughout, made it 3–0 two minutes before the break, just after Spokes' floated free-kick evaded every white shirt in the box. Bitemo spotted his run and threaded a superb pass between defenders, allowing Phillips to burst into the box and finish confidently past Sheik. It was his second of the afternoon and capped a first half in which Hereford were sharper, hungrier and far more cohesive than their shell‑shocked opponents.
Half time: Hereford 3 - South Shields 1
Into the second half, the organised Bulls' outfit, still not giving their North East opponents any time on the ball, pushed for more. A Spokes free kick looked to be an easy goal for the unmarked Howkins as he broke free from the line, but he wanted to head the ball when easier to bundle home with his feet and the chance went begging.
Tenacious substitute Harry Tustin couldn't do enough to get a shot away after picking up a loose ball and bursting forward but, on 64 minutes, Spokes delivered another wicked corner and Iwunze rose unmarked to thump home a header for 4–0. South Shields’ resistance evaporated as they looked to mentally surrender to the onslaught. Hereford, firmly in control, still looked energetic.
Phillips completed his hat‑trick on 70 minutes, reacting quickest after Harry Tustin’s driven cut‑back was missed by substitute Danny Waldron. The forward swept the ball home with composure as the Meadow End roared, coupled with some disbelief.
Still the Bulls weren’t done. Cox, desperate for another goal after netting his first in the 3-0 win at Harborough midweek, didn't have enough luck before being substituted, but the sixth goal did come.
On 83 minutes, substitute Jordan Williamson exchanged passes with Spokes, drifted into space and floated a superb cross to the far post, where Skinner arrived to hammer a volley into the bottom corner.
South Shields mustered a couple of late counters, but Kyle Howkins and Liam Roberts produced excellent blocks to preserve the clean sheet. In stoppage time, Hereford had the chance to make it seven when Spokes was clipped on the edge of the box, but Skinner’s penalty sailed over the bar. It was the only blemish on an otherwise flawless afternoon.
Full time: Hereford 6 - South Shields 0
Attendance: Attendance: 3,715 (48 away)
Sponsors' man of the match: Billy Phillips
This was a demolition, pure and simple. Hereford were faster, stronger, smarter and far more clinical. Against a full‑time squad tipped for promotion, Downes’ men delivered a performance that felt significant — blooming marvellous, in truth — and one that will echo around the division.
Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Kandola, Merrett, Cox (Tolley 78'), Spokes, James (Roberts 64'), Iwunze (Waldron 64'), Bitemo (Tustin 56'), Phillips (Williamson 70'), Howkins
Subs not used: Martin, Lewis
South Shields: Sheik, Tinkler, Marshall (Onanaye 35'), Sykes, Leshabela, Blackett, McGurk (Dodds 66'), Scott (Clegg 46'), Ashford (Jones 46'), Campbell (74'), Emery
Subs not used: Roles, Chibueze