Cambridge pay penalty as Bulls triumph

A brace of spot kicks by Ryan Bowman and a Sam Clucas shot that deflected into the net gave The Bulls a deserved victory despite a home strike by Tom Shaw.

Martin Foyle, a little surprisingly, named an unchanged side and the opening twenty minutes provided little to suggest an improved performance was to be expected. 

Stefan Stam Captained The Bulls This Afternoon

Stefan Stam took a nasty knock from Elliot when the Cambridge man followed through after the ball had gone.Meanwhile, Cambridge were passing the ball ominously well in midfield but without forcing a save from Bittner. 

Gallinagh calmly chested a through ball back to the Bulls’ custodian before Clucas tested the pace of the fullback as he burst down the left.  Elliot directed a header straight into the arms of Bitts and Hughes blasted high over the bar as the home dominance continued.

Sam Clucas won a corner from which Craig Ross saved Bowman’s shot low down before referee Hopkins noted the names of both Kingsley James and Josh O’Keefe for fairly innocuous challenges.  Elliot received similar treatment from the referee for yet another late challenge, this time on Luke Graham as The Bulls slowly started to get into the game.

Graham played a long ball into the box but Sharp’s knockdown was volleyed over by O’Keefe.  Clucas lifted a free kick into the danger area but O’Keefe’s header was wide while Bittner easily collected a similar Gash Header at the other end. 

Sam Clucas sent a rasping effort on target, which drew a fine save from Ross before The Bulls took the lead on forty minutes.

Musa launched a long throw into the box from the left and Josh Coulson was adjudged to have handled as he attempted to clear.  Bowman confidently dinked the ball down the middle despite the distracting antics of Ross.

Another Goal For Ryan Bowman

Gash deceived the referee into awarding a free kick just outside the box but Bittner was well positioned to collect Elliot’s header.

HT Cambridge 0 Bulls 1

The second period started briskly with, firstly, Josh O’Keefe finishing with a fine header only for the referee to disallow the goal for, apparently, an earlier infringement.  Cambridge struck back with a 20-yard goal from substitute Tom Shaw.

With the game opening up, both sides used the flanks to good effect.  Watkins blazed a free kick well over in a wasted opportunity and Gash joined the yellow collection when Mr Hopkins finally tired of his persistent fouling. 

Marlon Jackson replaced Chris Sharp on the hour mark and was swiftly into his work with a threatening run down the right.  Sadly, his cross failed to fall to a white shirt and the hosts were able to clear.  Then, with twenty minutes remaining, The Bulls re-took the lead.

Watkins and Jackson combined on the right before the ball found its way to Sam Clucas to the left edge of the box.  He turned inside and shot towards the far post but the ball took a deflection off Jarvis and into the net with Ross already going the other way.

Sam Clucas's Deflected Shot Put The Bulls In The Lead

Five minutes later the game was effectively over when Bowman converted from the spot for a second time in the match. 

Marlon Jackson Was Brought Down Just Inside The Area

Jackson jinked his way into the area and was upended by Harrison Dunk.  Bowman sent Ross the wrong way in front of the travelling Herefordians.

Bowman's Second Penalty Of The Game

Jarvis had an effort sail over the bar and Bittner collected Roberts back post header.  Martin Foyle sent on MacDonald for a ten minute run in place of Marley Watkins as The Bulls fairly comfortably saw out the match in front of 2171 including 161 from The Shire.

Hereford: Bittner, Gallinagh, Graham, Stam, Musa, Watkins (McDonald 80), O’Keefe, Graham, Clucas, Bowman, Sharp (Jackson 62). Subs not used: Heath, Carruthers, Smikle.

Cambridge: Ross, Roberts, McAuley, Coulson, Anderson (Shaw 46), Berry (Reed 77), Jarvis, Hughes, Dunk, Gash, Elliott (Brighton 70). Subs not used: Hedge, Wassmer.

This was, without being spectacular, one of the better performances of late from the erratic Bulls.  Bitts did what was required of him and the back four looked solid throughout with Galls getting forward to deliver some good crosses.  The wide players were a constant worry for the home defence while the central pairing were more effective than inspiring.  Chris Sharp worked hard and Bowman, apart from his goals, looked better for the introduction of the lively Jackson.

BN MOM Luke Graham

More of the same at Stockport please.

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