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Despite a decent Westfields performance, Hereford United won the Herefordshire Senior Cup once again with a 4-1 victory over their near neighbours. Despite Mark Hibbard's equaliser for the away side after Alan Connell's opener, Stuart Fleetwood, Tim Sills and Andy Ferrell all netted to hand Hereford the win.
Graham Turner gave recalls to Tamika Mkandawire and Alex Jeannin at the back whilst youngsters Karl Lewis started in goal and Sam Gwynne who played in central midfield. Ferrell partnered Gwynne and there was also a start for Connell alongside Fleetwood.
The early stages of the game saw Fleetwood fire a free-kick into the arms of the Westfields 'keeper before Connell's through ball gave Ferrell the chance for the opener but his right foot drive struck the bar. Down the left, Gareth Sheldon's whipped cross was met by Fleetwood but the header went over the bar. Despite United creating some good opportunities, the play was very stop start creating a scrappy encounter. Westfield's determination nearly resulted in the first goal when a header by their striker was tipped out by Lewis, who pulled himself up to make a fine second save from the follow up and keep the away side at bay.
Yet, despite this chance for Westfields, it was United who took the lead in the 28th minute. Sheldon swung a dangerous corner in and despite Jeannin missing the ball completely when in a decent heading position, Connell picked up the pieces at the back post to volley home. It was Connell again who was in the action when Fleetwood's pace and pass sent him free but the left foot shot by Connell went into the side netting.
Hereford were to regret that Connell miss when Westfields hit back just two minutes afterwards. Good work down the left side by the away team created a chance for Hibbard after the pull back who cooly slotted home past the helpless Lewis. Hereford went in search of a goal before half time, Fleetwood's half volley was just over the bar. Yet just a minute later, Fleetwood's pace and determination resulted in the second goal for The Bulls.
A pass back from Westfields seemed to have their goalie in no trouble but Fleetwood took a gamble and using his pace to great effect, closed down the keeper. The attempted clearence struck the former Cardiff man and deflected into the back of the net to make it 2-1. Just before half time, Gwynne, who impressed with his long range passing, shot just over the bar after Connell had held the ball up well.
United started the second half with a completely different strike-force, Connell and Fleetwood made way and on came Sills and Andy Williams. It was Sills who impressed in the early part of the second period, shooting over the bar before good work from Sheldon saw Sills firing at the 'keepers legs.
With 56 minutes on the clock, Sills got his goal for the evening. A defensive mix-up saw the goalkeeper miss the ball when the defender headed clear. The ball fell to Sills who first time, looped his header over the Westfield defence and in to an empty net. Once again, the dangerman was Sills and long range drive was tipped out before Williams follow up was saved.
Played in extremely warm conditions, no-one can blame the players for taking their foot of the gas towards the end of the game. Chances became few, Dean Beckwith headed back for Sills but his powerful header was tipped over by the impressive Westfields goalie. Sheldon's quick cross from the right nearly saw Jeannin get on the scoresheet, but despite making decent contact, his header rebounded off the bar. Rob Purdie was introduced for the final ten minutes, but it was Ferrell who wrapped off proceedings with a bang. His 30 yard effort flew off the post and into the net to finish the scoring at 4-1.
The final score was a little dissappointing after the recent 10-0 victory over Ludlow, fans might of expected a few more goals but the heat did not help. 410 fans saw a fiesty encounter with Westfields playing their part in a decent game. The Bulls will need to step it up when the face Bristol City on the weekend, who were 6-0 victors at Forest Green last night. It is expected that United will have some trialists in the squad on Saturday, they were unable to play this evening due to the rules of the competition.
Hereford: Lewis, Travis, Jeannin, Mkandawire, Beckwith, Wallis, Ferrell, Gwynne, Sheldon, Fleetwood, Connell.
Subs: Brown, Rose, Purdie, Williams, Sills.
Hereford Subs warming up before the game: Rob Purdie, Tim Sills and Richard Rose. Also photographed is new signing Phil Gulliver who was out on the pitch despite not being named as a sub.
