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Hereford United’s pre-season continued with a narrow 1-0 defeat at Kidderminster Harriers this evening. A following of around 200 saw new loan signing Darren Randolph gift the home side the win in just the second minute, when Darryl Knights took advantage of a mistake to score.
United named three trialists in their starting line-up, including Bradley Hudson-Odoi. Paul Reid and Michael Dobson were the other two involved. This team changed considerably at the interval. Kidderminster started Andy Ferrell at left-back against his former team, whilst Daryl Taylor and Brian Smikle had to be content with a place on the bench.
One view that had been common with Randolph was shown in the opening stages; Bury fans had said he’s a little too relaxed in goal, and this was evident when he controlled a Kris Taylor back-pass and was then tackled by Knights, who tapped into the empty net. United replied with Hudson-Odoi’s shot on the turn going wide. Taylor had a free-kick held, whilst Steve Guinan failed to hit the target with a header after a Matty Done run and cross. The other view of Randolph came to life towards the end of the first-half; Bury fans also said that he’s an excellent shot-stopper. Firstly, Knights placed shot was palmed away, before two excellent efforts by Martin Brittain were both pushed away in mid-air by Randolph.
The second-half saw a changed side, with only four players remaining from the starting line-up. David McDermott went close for Harriers after cutting in from the right, and shooting over with his left-foot. A well-timed run by Hudson-Odoi wasn’t matched by his finish as he shot straight at the ‘keeper. Jack MacLeod came closest to equalising when he controlled a Taylor cross at the back-post but his powerful shot was palmed away. A low-cross was nearly touched in by the lively Marco Addagio, whilst Craig Samson had to make two decent saves towards the end of the game to keep the score at 1-0. In the final moments, Kris Taylor struck over after Hudson-Odoi had held up well.
It was a below par performance by United, but it’s early days in the pre-season programme. Graham Turner needs to bring in a creative spark, preferably on the right-wing, whilst another striker is a must, as Hereford didn’t look like hitting the back of the net all night. In a disappointing night, few stood out, although Taylor looked solid at left-back. Next up is Wolves at Edgar Street on Wednesday.
Hereford First Half XI: Randolph, Reid, Breen, Broadhurst, Taylor, Johnson, Dobson, Smith, Done, Guinan, Hudson-Odoi.
Hereford Second Half XI: Samson, Hunt, Rose, Beckwith, Taylor, MacLeod, Diagouraga, Smith (Jones), Easton, Guinan (Gjabe), Hudson-Odoi.
