Improving Bulls overpowered in second period.

Following the somewhat disappointing performance at Kidderminster on Monday evening, tonight was a big improvement as The Bulls, particularly in the first half, put on a much more purposeful performance against a very strong Wolverhampton team despite finishing on the receiving end of a 3-1 defeat.

Manager Turner again started with a mix of established players and newcomers. Early on, Richard Rose was alert to dispossess Kightly as the Wolves winger cut into the box. The game was played at a good tempo as both sides looked to established control. After just five minutes, Broadhurst left the field with what appeared to be an injury to his arm and was replaced shortly afterwards by new signing Garry Breen. On the quarter hour mark The Bulls took the lead from the penalty spot after Bradley Hudson-Odoi was bundled over. Steve Guinan calmly side-footed the ball home sending keeper Hennessey the wrong way.

There was plenty to admire from both sides as the teams played crisp passing football. Kightly had an opportunity but shot tamely at Craig Samson before a good Wolves move produced their equaliser. The play developed down the left flank and a cross found Kightly who hammered in on the volley giving Sansom little chance. Matty Done produced a couple of darting runs, one of which produced a half chance for Diagouraga but a timely interception prevented the Frenchman getting a shot on target. HT 1-1.

Mick McCarthey fielded a much-changed side in the second period while for The Bulls; Turner introduced the returning Robbie Threlfall along with trialist Paul Read and former Millwall youngster Jack MacLeod.

Wolves took the lead after just a few minutes when Stephen Ward created himself space with a neat drag-back before firing passed Sansom and into the bottom left of the net. Neat play down the Bulls right involving Read and MacLeod presented a chance for Guinan but the striker's effort was just wide before Hudson-Odoi crashed a goal-bound shot that was tipped over by the keeper. Meanwhile, Darren Randolph replaced Sansom in the United goal. The Wolves were looking the stronger outfit with Blake showing strength pace and skill up top. With about fifteen minutes to go, Wolves completed the scoring. Randolph did well to beat out a rasping effort from Jarvis but Ward was on hand to force home the final goal. Manager Turner gave late runs to a couple of unknown trialist and also short spells to Craig Jones and Luke Webb.

The game was watched by 1538 with 570 making the trip from Wolverhampton.

This was a proper test in which The Bulls gave a decent account of themselves as they gradually build up to the real business in August.

Final Score Hereford United 1 Wolves 3.

Starting Line-ups
Hereford United: Samson, Hunt, Rose, Diagouraga, Broadhurst, Johnson, Easton, Guinan, Hudson-Odoi, Done, Beckwith.
Wolves: Hennessy, Foley, Elokobi, Craddock, Stearman, Kightly, Jones, Henry, Edwards, Iwelumo, Keogh.

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