GOALKEEPER Brandon Hall hopes that the goalless draw at King’s Lynn Town will be a building block for the Bulls’ league campaign.
Despite being on the back of a 5-1 defeat last week at Altrincham and against the league’s top goal scorers, 42 goals in 18 games, the Bulls put in a dogged display to earn an FA Trophy replay.
As the Bulls defender Hall was forced into a host of saves to keep his side in the competition,
“It was okay and there was a few good saves in there, I was glad to help the team and keep a clean sheet,” said Hall.
“King’s Lynn are a very good side so I was pleased to be able to contribute. Everybody put in 100 per cent both halves, we were really dogged and weren’t willing to give up.
“We were under the cosh for long periods of the game and it’s just that determination, really closing down when needed to and just all being on the same wavelength.
“They are top scorers in the league and are doing something fantastic in the league. It’s pleasing to keep a clean sheet as a whole team, not just as a defence but the strikers were putting a shift in so it’s an all-round solid defensive performance.
After Hall kept his side in the game at one end Taylor Allen almost won the game for Hereford at the other, but sent his effort wide.
“I was hoping that was going to get us a goal down the other end,” added Hall.
“We had a few chances and unfortunately on a very poor and bobbly pitch we maybe should have taken them chances.
“Maybe from the side-line it doesn’t look great but on it it’s even worse especially the goalmouths.
“It wasn’t the greatest trying to push off in those conditions and change direction is very difficult.”
“It’s nice to contribute and to be able to keep a clean sheet but hopefully it’s a building block.”
Hall arrived in the summer after signing from Kidderminster Harriers and says that moving from a full-time to part-time set up has been hard.
“I’m really enjoying it, it’s obviously a change for me coming to part-time,” added Hall.
“It’s difficult in that sense to try and get your head around training in the evenings. I’m doing my best training elsewhere to try and stay on top of things.
“I’m really enjoying it, I feel like the fans have taken well to me so I’m really pleased with how I’m performing and can hopefully be better and still achieve more.
“The gaffer has obviously got a massive amount of experience, his talks in the changing rooms, his ideas and everything like that, he’s been brilliant since he’s come in.
“It’s just not quite clicking for us on the pitch and we’ve got to take responsibility as players. Things are turning, we hope that’s the turning point of the season but we had a good 0-0 against Darlington and dropped back off again. So we need to really follow it up from here.
“It’s more on the pitch for me, you can say whatever you want in the changing room but as soon as you cross that white line you have got to stand up and really get the ball down and play where possible, dig in and defend.
“It’s more on the pitch for me where things need to be like they were today.”
Jared Hodgkiss returned from injury and came in as skipper for the Bulls. Also making his return in the Hereford defence following a long absence was Martin Riley.
Hall added: “Jared has obviously got a lot of experience, he’s a great player and is good to have in the changing room and out on the pitch he’s a real vocal leader.
“He played really well today and it’s nice to have him back in. (Martin) Riley is a really experienced player, he’s important to have in the team, he gets us talking as well and that experience is crucial for defending against top teams like King’s Lynn.
When asked if he felt the draw would be a turning point for the side? Hall replied: “You’d like to hope so.
“Coming off the pitch, it’s 0-0 and a replay but we need those little moments and we need those games to show what we can do.
“We can still be a million times better and nearly nicked it at the end, but you’d like to hope it’s a turning point, we will see on Tuesday.
When asked if he had any season targets for clean sheets? Hall added: “I like to keep it match by match as I think you can get carried away or you are thinking about other stuff.
“It’s important to just focus on the match ahead. I want to contribute as much as I can so it’s another clean sheet and there hasn’t been one in a while, it’s nice to have one albeit in the cup.
“Hopefully we can get a few more clean sheets in the league as well.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here