Walsall 1 Hereford 2

HEREFORD produced a magnificent display to clinch the West Midlands Under-14 Schools Trophy with a convincing victory against strongly fancied Walsall.

Walsall started brightly and took a third-minute lead when Ben Clougher raced on to a through-ball to fire past Dan Hill.

This was to be the only real alarm for Hereford who produced a breathtaking display of pacy passing and slick movement that Walsall found difficult to cope with.

A perfect pass by Craig Jones found James Upcott who was fouled by Nicholson just as he was set to shoot.

Adam Bendall scored from the penalty and within two minutes produced a repeat with another penalty into the same corner to give Hereford the decisive lead.

Man-of-the-match Stephen Smith Smith had won another corner which Walsall could not clear. Scott Walker's goalbound shot was palmed over the bar by Jones who received a yellow card.

Hereford were now in total control and Walsall became increasingly frustrated at not being able to mount any serious attacks.

The second half was to follow a similar pattern. Hereford were composed in defence and goalkeeper Hill was left to field a succession of over-hit through-balls. Hereford's back four and midfield were easily able to break up attacks and on the break Hereford continued to look the most likely team to score.