HEREFORD skipper Jared Hodgkiss said that league leaders York City ‘couldn’t live’ with his side during their 4-1 victory at Bootham Crescent.

A change of formation to a 4-4-2 saw the Bulls stun their opponents in the first 14 minutes resulting in Kelsey Mooney opening the scoring and then Lenell John-Lewis headed home a second.

Despite Alex Kempster pulling a goal back another change in tactics and the introduction of Tommy O’Sullivan impacted on the game and Jason Pope netted a third before John-Lewis completed the win.

 “Gowling did a bit of a masterclass I suppose by changing the formation to 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2 and I don’t think they could really live with us,” said Hodgkiss.

“I don’t want to be disrespectful because they are top of the league for a reason, but today they couldn’t really live with us.

“We weren’t that overjoyed because we know what we’re capable of and I know we need to show it more often that what we have done.

“Every single man was very good even the lads who came off the bench.

“Tommy (O’Sullivan) gave us a little bit of control in midfield in the second half which we needed. The lads are buzzing in there.

“We had a bit of luck tonight which we haven’t had in the past few weeks but yes we scored at the right times.

“I felt fairly comfortable as well, I think they had a cross in the first five minutes of the first half but apart from that it was fairly comfortable.

“It was a great performance and I’m glad that the fans that travelled were able to see that. Gowling wants us to play football and go and express ourselves, obviously from a structure as well which you obviously need coming to places like this.

“The lads have taken it on board and have reaped the rewards tonight.”

Hodgkiss won the toss prior to kick-off and turned the sides around denying York the chance to shoot towards their fans in the second half.

He added: “Gowling and Steve Burr as well said that if I won the toss to switch it around so they ended up shooting towards their fans, a bit like at home for us on Saturday.

“That worked as well yes.”

John-Lewis scored a goal to remember in the 65th minute rifling home from outside the box to seal the victory for Hereford’s fourth goal.

“He was great and led the line on his own against two centre-halves and deserved his goals,” added Hodgkiss.

“He’s been an absolute asset since he’s come to this football club.”