Flying Dutchman cruises passed Redbridge.

Firstly, my apologies for a slightly delayed report...four goals at Edgar Street was reason enough for a swift pint on the way back to the keyboard! This afternoon The Bulls demonstrated the difference between a team challenging for promotion and one struggling to come to terms with life in League 2 as they comfortably defeated Dagenham & Redbridge by four goals to one.

Graham Turner named a side which many would consider to be the best available. Trent McCenahanahan returned to his accustomed right back role with Lee Collins dropping to the bench while new WBA loanee, Sherjill MacDonald, replaced the suspended Theo Robinson up front.

The Bulls started by attacking the Meadowend to take advantage of the strong sunlight that would have been shining straight into the eyes of veteran Daggers keeper Roberts who received an early reminder from the singers of a certain nine goal performance from a few years ago. All eyes were, of course, on MacDonald. Was he to be the new golden boy? Well, his first touch after a couple of minutes was truly dreadful but from there on, he grew in confidence and showed plenty of neat play and pace. It was, however, the visitors who had the first real chance when Baidoo missed a fairly straightforward tap-in from 6 or 7 yards out. MacDonald did not make the same mistake on 10 minutes though. A lovely move down the right flank involving fine interplay between Hooper and Johnson resulted in Hooper delivering a perfect cutback for the debutant MacDonald to finish from close range.

The Bulls almost got a second when Ben Smith, storming into the box, was unlucky not to get on the end of a MacDonald flick. At the other end, "Big John" McCombe showed his worth when shepherding both the ball and Ben Strevens over the line for a goal kick. On 21 minutes, Hereford doubled their lead despite two Hereford players looking to be offside. However, the referee had obviously seen that last touch had come off a Daggers defender and Gary Hooper ran clear before rounding the keeper and planting the ball coolly into the empty net. Four minutes later MacDonald met another Hooper cross with a thunderbolt from 20 yards, which was inches off target before The Bulls strangely seemed to go off the boil, as they appeared to step off the gas. Dagenham had a strong period during which the Hereford team conceded ground and were slow to challenge. McCombe was to be thanked for a solid block tackle on Ryan Hall, which prevented a goalscoring opportunity, but he picked up a hefty bang on the knee for his efforts and was clearly uncomfortable for some time afterwards. The improved Daggers performance resulted in a fine goal when Strevens rose to head home a Ryan Hall corner in the 33rd minute. It was still another five minutes or so before The Bulls snapped out their slumbers. A powerful forward run by McClenahanahan was eventually cleared and a cleverly flighted Johnson corner produced an unconvincing flap from Roberts as the ball sailed passed him for a goal kick. Just before half time, the two-goal advantage was restored. Richard Rose' rampaging run finished a fine move down the left as he crossed hard and low into the box and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot as the ball struck the hand of the unfortunate Sam Saunders. Simon Johnson assumed the responsibility and belted the ball into the top right corner of the net for as good a penalty as you’re ever likely to see. HT Hereford 3 Dagenham & Redbridge 1.

With the two-goal cushion, The Bulls set about playing some attractive stuff in the second period. Diagouraga, seemingly back to his best, was first to warm the hands of Roberts from 25 yards before Ben Smith put MacDonald in only for his effort to be blocked on the goal-line. Fifteen minutes into the half, Johnson delivered to Easton whose volleyed attempt was over the bar. Former Stevenage player John Nurse was introduced and his extra pace did give some hope to a flagging Daggers side when Wayne Brown had to be at his best to beat away a shot on 63 minutes. The Bulls were, however, controlling the game and it came as no real surprise when they added a fourth goal with just over 20 minutes remaining. Simon Johnson, who it has to be said must be a nightmare to mark, turned the Dagenham left sided defenders inside out before sending over a perfect cross which MacDonald met with a thumping header beyond Roberts. With the game apparently won, Turner took the opportunity to give some exercise to Benjamin and Palmer by relieving Hooper and MacDonald while, the once again excellent, Dean Beckwith gave way for Lee Collins.

Apart from a slightly dodgy 15/20 minute period towards the end of the first half, this was a very competent and comfortable display although, to be fair, D & R were probably not the finest opposition Hereford will face between now and the end of the season. The result will have pleased the somewhat disappointing attendees who numbered 2594 (inc. 81 away) and a two goal debut for someone who, according some higher graded fans, couldn't hit a barn if he was inside it with the door shut will hopefully encourage a few more to venture through the turnstiles for the next home game.

Meanwhile, see you all at Spotland on Tuesday!

Hereford: Brown, McClenahan, McCombe, Beckwith (Collins 87), Rose, Johnson, Smith, Diagouraga, Easton, Hooper (Benjamin 84), MacDonald (Palmer 84).
Subs Not Used: Ingham, Taylor.

Dag & Red: Roberts, Foster , Uddin, Boardman, Griffiths, Saunders (Southam 66), Taiwo, Gain, Hall, Strevens, Baidoo (Nurse 61).
Subs Not Used: Rainford, Smith, Thompson.

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