HEREFORD Head Coach Marc Richards said that defender Harvey Smith is a leader after he was made captain for the first time and repaid the gesture by scoring a header.

The central defender partnered Ryan Green and new loanee Ethan Wassall in a back three partnership during their 1-1 draw at Stockport County.

While previous captain Jordan Cullinane-Liburd was dropped to the bench.

It was Bristol City loanee Smith who scored Hereford's goal despite midfielder Calvin Dinsley claiming it came off his head.

“Everybody shouted that it was (Calvin) Dinsley and he just ran off and celebrated but it was Harvey Smith who scored the goal,” said Richards.

“I’ve made him captain today as I’ve seen in the short time that I’ve been here what he brings to that squad.

“Yes he’s on loan, he is a leader and was exceptional again today so it’s perfect.”

Initially Calvin Dinsley claimed Hereford’s headed goal but Smith said that he got the final touch.

“Eliot crossed the ball in from a wide free-kick and I’ve seen there big captain in front of the goal and I thought I’d get in front of him and see what happens, said Smith.

“I think Dinsley got the first nick and flicked it but I got a bigger head on target and it hit the net. I got the last touch not Dinsley.

“It’s not who got the goal really but we’re pleased with the point. We would have been happy with three points today but with harsh circumstances and Ryan Green slipping.”

Richards was pleased with his team’s performance and said that they were taking on board his comments.

“I’m very delighted with the performance and the boys have taken on board what we’ve tried to put in place during the last 10 days and we’re obviously gutted not to come away with the three points,” added Richards.

“It’s baby steps concentrating on what we can fix immediately and look at how we can improve.

“There will be more changes as we go through in terms of how we do stuff both in and out of possession but in the short space of time we have got with them they have really taken on board the information which is the most pleasing thing.

“Also the work rate as the lads were literally on their last legs with 10 minutes to go which is the most pleasing thing that they all absolutely put a shift in today.

“There is still lots to work on and let’s not get carried away as it’s a point and it’s a good starting point for the league campaign.

“It was great, we heard the noise from the supporters on the way in the coach and in that corner of the stadium.

“We really appreciate that away support because it is huge especially when you come to a ground like this.

“You could see that momentum change and they got the equaliser and I was just really pleased that we got something out of the game today.”

When asked if more players are expected to come into the side, Richards said: “It’s something we need to look at in terms of where we want to go and start creeping up that table.

“I’m not going to say there won’t be any more changes and there probably will be but the lads have given me food for thought today with the performances they have put in so it’s a pleasing position to be in.”

Hereford are not in action now for two weeks and but Richards hopes they will play a behind closed doors game.