Cheltenham Town 0 Hereford United 0

HEREFORD are hoping that the revival is underway after a battling performance saw them pick up a valuable point at Whaddon Road.

While Hereford had to defend solidly, they also had one of the game’s biggest threats in on-loan Tom Barkhuizen, who caused the Cheltenham defence plenty of problems on the right.

“It was a good test for us,”

said the Blackpool youngster.

“They are a good side and we really needed some points so we are just happy to come away with one.

“Hopefully that will kick start our season.”

The 18-year-old, who has already hit the target twice for the Bulls, was happy with his contribution.

“I am just trying to play my own game,” he said. “I’ve not played in a 4-4-2 formation for several years and I’ve come here and Pits has told me to play wide out right and I’m enjoying it.

“I’m running with the ball and linking up with the other players; they know my game and I know theirs so it’s working really well.

“Jamie Pitman has kept our spirits high and we’re all under pressure – we’ve been working hard but there has been a bit of fun in training, too.”

Barkhuizen’s best moment of the game came right at the start of the second period.

The teenager latched on to a pass from Rob Purdie and ran half the length of the pitch before driving in a shot which was grasped by home keeper Jack Butland.

While Hereford did have their chances, it was the home side who applied the majority of the pressure.

And, after conceding 11 goals in the previous three matches, the Bulls were glad to have the reassuring presence of skipper Stefan Stam back at the heart of their defence.

“I have been injured for the last four or five weeks and I was blowing after the first 10 minutes,” admitted the Dutc hman.

“But I’m just glad to get 90 minutes in and get a point, especially after what happened last week.

“And it was important for us to get a clean sheet. It’s nice to get that and it is something that we can build on.

“We have a home game next week – it’s always good to play at home – and then we have games against teams that our around us.”

Stam resumed a solid pairing with former Wales international Ryan Green in central defence and the pair looked comfortable together.

“Ryan Green is a good player,” said Stam. “He’s got the pace and he’s good in the air for a smaller fella.

He’s not going to make stupid mistakes and he’s a quality player.

“It’s easy to play alongside him.”

Stam also provided plenty of leadership and guidance for the players alongside him and appears to relish leading the side.

“I am enjoying being captain but it does not change the way I play my game,”

he said.

“I am a moaner and maybe when I am captain the other players listen to me a bit more.”