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For a brief interlude after the break, it seemed that there may be light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. The Bulls, however, reverted to type and conceded some shocking goals, leaving a Stevenage side with their biggest league win to date, and Hereford boss Simon Davey on decidedly thin ice.
Despite the heavy rain, the game began brightly. Scott Laird had the first chance for the visitors, but shot narrowly wide when well placed. Guillem Bauza then combined with Richard Rose to allow Stuart Fleetwood to test Chris Day. Adam Bartlett needed some acrobatics to deny John Mousinho (surely a pseudonym- didn’t our former Conference foes call the charming Anthony Elding “Eldinho”?). After a well worked move, Charlie Griffin skied his shot, whilst at the other end, Bauza repeated the trick from a Fleetwood pass.
After 13 minutes, the visitors opened their account. The normally reliable Ryan Valentine attempted to shepherd a harmless crossfield pass out of play, but was mugged by the lively Lawrie Wilson who crossed for Chris Holroyd. Despite Bartlett’s presence, the striker skilfully prodded the ball over the keeper high into the net. Bauza, Sam Gwynne and James McQuilkin showed some trickery and fleetness of foot as the Bulls strived for a leveller. However, the better chances were created by their opponents, Mousinho stinging Bartlett’s palms and then firing the rebound over, and Griffin finding space but shooting wide. The interval arrived with Hereford a tad fortunate to trail by just the odd goal.
HT: HUFC 0 STEVENAGE 1
The home side emerged from the dressing room determined to get amongst their opponents, playing easily the most positive and exciting football seen this season. Fleetwood twisted and turned and was unlucky with a shot that ricocheted off the shin of a defender, and other rapid passing moves looked promising. And then….. could it be? …
yup, a goal from open play. On 49 minutes, McQuilkin played a delightful ball to Valentine, seen for the first time as an attacking force. His pinpoint cross was met by the onrushing Sean Canham who headed adroitly into the net. For the next ten minutes ,the Bulls midfield looked more combative, the sparse crowd got behind the team and a series of crisp moves led to corners and half chances for the home side. These, alas, could not be taken, and the optimism proved a false dawn.
With 62 minutes elapsed, Stevenage regained the lead. A regulation corner from Lawrie Wilson found a curiously unattended Jon Ashton who headed powerfully home. The Bulls confidence evaporated, and seven minutes later allowed another alteration to the goals against column. Gwynne’s pass was intercepted and a lightning break by the visitors went largely unchallenged. Mousinho played in Holroyd who finished with relish from close range.
A long range shot from Gwynne, a chipped cross from Fleetwood, and a mishit effort from Rose were the only bright spots in a dismal end to the game, with the visitors always looking the more likely to score. Indeed, with 82 minutes on the clock, Holroyd completed a splendid hat trick. Set up by Peter Vincenti, the striker was allowed a ludicrous amount of time before picking his spot. In the closing exchanges, some profligacy at least spared the home side further embarrassment. Cue a happy return to Hertfordshire for Messrs Westley, Holroyd (with match ball), and a small but vociferous band of travelling fans. Meanwhile, the fate of Mr Davey rests in the balance. Watch this space.
FT: HUFC 1 STEVENAGE 4
Attendance: 1444 including 84 from Broadhall Way (though not CD).
HUFC: Bartlett, Green, Valentine, Townsend, Rose, McQuilkin, Gwynne, Lunt (Manset 74), Fleetwood, Canham, Bauza.
STEVENAGE: Day, Wilson, Laird (Winn 61), Charles, Ashton, Henry, Long (Sinclair 85), Mousinho, Bostwick, Griffin (Vincenti 76), Holroyd.
