Last gasp Bulls win at Hornchurch

Scorer Josh O'Keefe Gets A Hug From Chris Bush

An injury time strike from Josh O’Keefe put United in the hat for the First Round Proper of the FA Cup as The Bulls stuttered to victory at Ryman League Hornchurch this afternoon.

Frankie Artus, Jon Brown and Josh O’Keefe got starting nods with Eric Odihambo replacing Ross Dyer to partner Michael Rankine up top.

The hosts collected an early booking when Purcell was late with a challenge on Leadbitter before Odihambo tested keeper Echepare with a snap shot.  A Chris Bush cross was headed wide by Jon Brown then Bushy’s long throw was flicked on by Rankine and Odihambo made ground before firing into the side netting.  Bemer tried a tumble in The Bulls’ box but the referee was unimpressed as he was actually behind Leadbitter when he fell. 

Eddie Odhiambo and Michael Rankine Combine In This Attack

The blustery wind and uneven pitch combined with the longer than usual grass made passing football unlikely and caused uncertainty when receiving the ball.  Rob Purdie and Frankie Artus were both visibly struggling to predict the bounce in midfield and lost out on several occasions due to hesitancy. 

O’Keefe combined well with Frankus on the left but a late saving tackle by Elliot Styles cleared the threat.  Rankine showed a clean pair of heels to two defenders but the ball held up and his shot was blocked by Echepare. 

For Hornchurch, Purcell sent in a shot from the corner of the box which Rhys Evans competently dealt with.  Just before half time, McDonald was forced to leave the field when a side strain picked up in the pre-match warm up failed to ease.  Replacement Dom Collins was quickly into action to clear as Stefan Payne shaped to shoot.

HT Hornchurch 0  Bulls 0

The Bulls started quicker in second period and Bush’s throw was flicked on by O’Keefe but Ranks’ volley whistled just wide of the upright.  

Chris Bush Gets Caught By Styles

Chris Bush skipped past two opposition players in a trademark burst forward but was stopped by a late and dangerous challenge by Styles who was promptly dismissed from the field of play. 

Bush Receiving Attention From Physdio Johnny Evans Whilst The Referee Calls For Styles

With a tall central defender missing, Foyle introduced Chris Sharp in place of Brown and moved Odihambo out wide.  Sharpie’s bustling style soon created him a chance from the left but Echepare was able to push the shot round the post.  The Bulls earned a series of corners without really testing the keeper and were a shade fortunate to see May’s free kick skid wide of the target.

Purdie and Leadbitter combined on the right to release O’Keefe through centre-field and when his weighted pass reached Sharp his shot was, again, blocked away for a corner.

With a replay looking all but certain, the game had entered the four added minutes when Dan Walker replaced Odihambo. 

Walker's Cross Fed The Ball to Josh O'Keefe Who Scored

Walker was fed by Leadbitter and despite a poor first touch Walker got a second bite and fired a low drive across the box to O’Keefe at the back post and “goal machine” made no mistake in his return to the squad.

Michael Rankine On Top Of Scorer Josh O'Keefe And Team-Mates

FT Hornchurch 0  Bulls 1

Attendance: 713

Hereford: Evans, Leadbitter, Graham, McDonald (Collins 39), Bush, Purdie, Artus, O’Keefe, Brown (Sharp 57), Odhiambo, (Walker 76) Rankine. Subs unused: Lloyd-Weston, Gwynne, Edwards, Collins, Krans.

Hornchurch: Echepare, Starkey, Bentley, Hayles, Styles, Curley, Bremner (Bourne 76), May, Payne, Purcell (Rook 85), Spencer. Subs not used: Coyne, Lechmere, Eyong.

So, both the first team and the U18’s have notched victories in their respective FA competitions this week but this one will be the most welcome as it brings £12,500 into the coffers of HUFC.  The game was scrappy probably down to the unpredictability of the surface and the wind.  A welcome win but still some way from convincing.  I didn’t hear any announcement of the attendance but the respected Independent Supporters Association chairman assured me that he’s counted at least 204 on the Riverside supporting The Bulls.

See you in Salisbury on Thursday.

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