Pitman had a chance in the 11th minute, but the effort didn't test the keeper. Being kept far busier was the Cherries defence as the back 4 were tested throughout by a lively Hereford forward line. In particular, Pugh (for Hereford) was lively, causing all sorts of problems throughout.
The Cherries fans were insensed by the linesman running the line in front of us who missed several clear off side decisions. Needless to say he was subjected to a fair amount of comments as to his abilities to keep up with play ...... or words to that affect!
Full of confidence from his wonder strike against Burton Albion at the weekend, Pitman tried, on several occassions, to reproduce *that* goal ..... getting no where close in the process inspite of his best efforts.
Jalal had to be thankful to his defence on the stroke of half time as he seemed to spill the ball. Thankfully a defender was on the line to clear the danger. Otherwise we'd have been 1-down!
HT: 0-0
The Cherries were undone within 5 minutes of the restart when the ever lively Pugh fired home, with the ball rebounding in off the far post.
Moments later Jalal had to be down pretty smartish to save a goal bound opportunity. From the break, the Cherries broke forward, but the move broke down. Hereford broke forward themselves, but again were thwarted by Jalal.
Just before the hour mark, we saw Feeney substituted for Connell. Whether it had an influence or not, but Steve Fletcher levelled the scoreline with a neat turn and shot (which went low and on by the far post) ..... slightly against the run of play to be honest.
In the 76th minute Bradbury was dispossessed a bit too easily, allowing Pugh to shoot goalwards ..... a fine effort which (thankfully) just curled away from the right hand upright. But that was a warning. Just a minute later we lost out in midfield (again), allowing Pugh to poke the ball home from close range at the far post.
Try as they might, the Cherries didn't have enough guile to go forward to cause Hereford too many problems at the back.
FT: 2-1
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Jalal - had to be at his best to keep Hereford at bay.
Bradbury - didn't do too badly, but was kept busy at right back.
Guyett & Pearce - assured at the back, but were kept busy all evening.
Cummings - didn't do too badly, but was kept busy at right back.
Robinson - not quite with it at Edgar Street.
Hollands - too many stray passes compared to what we know he can do.
Bartley - ran his socks off.
Feeney - again made much of the running, but League Two opposition are getting wise to him now!
Fletcher - scored the equaliser, tried hard.
Pitman - seemed under par this evening. Seen him do better from free kicks and corners.
Connell - did okay when he came on.
McQuoid - did okay when he came on.
Okay we lost just our second League game of the season, but that is only 2 defeats our the last 13 League matches. We're still top of League Two and will be assured of that position until at least 3pm a week on Saturday!
AFCB: Jalal, Bradbury, Guyett, Pearce, Cummings, Robinson, Hollands, Bartley, Feeney, Fletcher, Pitman
Subs: Tindall, Connell (for Feeney, 60), McQuoid (for Bradbury, 81)
Andy Burton, Portsmouth