Bulls pick up first friendly win

Three goals in the second half saw Hereford United beat Ludlow this evening. A mixed team of first team players, trialists and youngsters took to the field as Graham Turner took another look at striker Graham Evans, midfielder Rees Smith, defender Rob Williams and 'keeper Clint Davies.

Danny Carey-Bertram nearly gave Hereford the lead within the first minute when he was sent through by Evans but his chip was deflected over the bar. Andy Williams, who played on left midfield sent a deep cross in and trialist Smith volleyed just over from close range. Ludlow tested Bulls 'keeper Davies but he was equal to their efforts.

Andy Williams impressed down the left hand side and his cross across the face of the goal should have been converted by Evans who, from close range failed to make good contact on the ball. Ludlow won a free kick which resulted in a shot that hit the side netting. Hereford's best chance of the first half fell to stand in captain Craig Stanley, Carey-Bertram held up the ball well and Stanley burst from midfield to meet the lay-off but his low shot was tipped wide by the Ludlow 'keeper.

The Bulls kept the same side for the start of the second half as they looked to break the deadlock. Stanley took a quick free kick and nearly caught everyone out with his sweetly taken shot, but he was unlucky to see his shot rebound off the post. In the fifty-fifth minute, Carey-Bertram finally gave Hereford the lead. Evans had the chance to score but he passed to Carey-Bertram, who, from close range shot past the helpless Ludlow 'keeper.

Alex Jeannin replaced Rob Purdie and Tamika Mkandawire came on for Ryan Green and Jeannin was unlucky minutes later with a free kick. He blasted just wide off the post from twenty-five yards. In the sixty-second minute, United scored for the second time. Evans found space on the edge of the area and curled a low shot past the 'keeper. Stanley came off shortly afterwards to give a run out to striker Adam Stansfield.

Hereford added a third in the seventy-second minute after good work from Sam Gwynne who got into the box and was bought down by a Ludlow defender. Carey-Bertram took the penalty and confidently placed the ball past the keeper. Trialist D Campbell came on to replace Dean Beckwith and came on to play on right wing. Hereford continued with their pressure and a corner by Jeannin was met by Stansfield but his header was saved by the Ludlow 'keeper. Campbell sent in a cross that was met by Evans but his header was too weak to beat the 'keeper.

Hereford United: Davies, Green, Gwynne, Beckwith, R.Williams, Stanley, Smith, Purdie, Carey-Bertram, Evans,A.Williams.

Subs: Mkandawire, Mawson, Stansfield, Jeannin, Campbell.

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