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Hereford United dominated through-out as they defeated city rvials Westfields in the Herefordshire Senior FA Cup Final in front of a gate of only 575. The Bulls started with a strong line up, which will probably be very similar to the one named in a weeks time against Scarborough as the Nationwide Conference campaign gets underway.
Stacey Coldicott was once again absent from the side as was new signing Graham Evans. Andy Ferrell, also signed this week, was included in the starting eleven and once again impressed greatly.
United started brightly and were denied an early penalty when Adam Stansfield was pulled down by Danny Moon. The Bulls took the lead early on though, after Jon Brady saw his effort from the edge of the box go behind off a defender. Alex Jeannin crossed and Tamika Mkandawire met it with his head and diverted the ball into the back of the net.
Brady forced 'keeper Jon Pugh into a low save soon after before Stansfield was handed a golden opportunity when Moon headed Stanley's ball over the top into his path, but Stansfield scuffed his first time shot when one on one with the goalie. Brady almost doubled the advantage when he smashed a volley straight across the face of goal and Pugh was once again called into action as he made a good low stop from Stansfield's effort, as the striker managed to turn into some space.
Jeannin and Moon were both yellow carded by referee S. Moggs following a small brawl before Jeannin saw his volley hit a defender after some nice build up play by The Whites. Stanley collected the loose ball and fired wide from twenty yards. Stansfield almost put the Bulls two up in injury time at the end of the first half when he beat Pugh to Brady's cross, but his header was over the top.
United created yet another good opening just after the restart with Stansfield finding Ryan Green in some space on the right but once again Pugh denied United a second goal as he pushed away Ferrell's near post volley. Ipoua saw a low shot saved before he headed Stansfield's cross over at the far post before Westfields had their best chance of the game on the hour mark.
Craddock was played through on goal and had time to pick his spot, but Craig Mawson rushed off his line and blocked the effort. This set up a counter attack for the Bulls as they rampaged up the other end and put the game beyond doubt. Ferrell slid the ball into Stansfield who crossed the ball from the by line and Brady was on hand at the far post to fire home.
Rob Purdie replaced Stanley in Hereford's first change and it was the substitute who was on the end of Brady's cross, but he headed over the bar. Ferrell then headed over another Brady cross before Carey-Bertram replaced the Australian. Green saw a shot saved while Craddock looped a header onto the cross bar at the other end, but from then on it was all Hereford.
Andy Williams played the last five minutes in place of Stansfield but it was the earlier sub, Carey-Bertram, who completed the scoring late on. Ferrell fed a pass down the left to Carey-Bertram who went on a mazy run, passing two players before unleashing a rocket into the far top corner from a tight angle.
United were strong and dominant and never really looked trouble by their city rivals as, in truth, they cruised to this cup victory. Graham Turner will be hoping this is a sign of things to come in what is looking a very promising season for Hereford United.
Hereford: Mawson, Mkandawire, James, Beckwith, Green, Jeannin, Brady, Ferrell, Stanley, Stansfield, Ipoua.
Subs: Brown, Carey-Bertram, Purdie, Williams, Gwynne.
