HEREFORD assistant manager Steve Burr said that a half-time tactical change worked as the Bulls came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with local rivals Kidderminster Harriers.

Reeling from their 3-1 defeat at Edgar Street on Boxing Day Kidderminster dominated the first half with Ashley Hemmings scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot.

Hemmings tormented the Bulls defence and could have had a host of goals in the first period.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game with it being a local derby but we were very disappointed that we just didn’t get going in the first half,” said Burr speaking to Keith Hall.

“Kiddy were on top for most of the first half, came at us, closed us down and didn’t give us any time. We were just pleased to get in at 1-0 at half-time.

“Kidderminster had some good chances to increase their lead and we managed to just hold on. We were just a yard off the pace, we’ve had a lot of games and this week hasn’t been the best preparation with the weather but it’s been the seem for everyone.

“We just felt that from our usual standards we have set of being up and at teams from the off for whatever reason that didn’t happen in the first half.

The introduction of substitute Giles Coke at the break saw Yan Klukowski come off and Hereford got a foothold in the game.

After missing the Leamington match Lenell John-Lewis scored from the penalty spot to level the tie and Hereford had further openings to win the clash.

“We just looked at it and felt that there were certain areas where we weren’t getting on the ball, so we made a tactical change at half-time and brought Giles (Coke) on,” added Burr.

“It worked, he did really well for us. It changed our shape from the first half but we felt we needed to do that.

“In the end in the second half I thought we were excellent and we were disappointed we didn’t win the game in the end.

“We had enough possession and enough efforts on goal to have seen it through. With our first half performance which wasn’t what we would usually expect maybe a point would be a fair result.”

Hereford were boosted by the inclusion of marksman John-Lewis who Burr said missed the Leamington tie to rest a hamstring.

“Lenell (John-Lewis) has come back in today and got another goal for us,” added Burr.

“He’s so important to us and how we play so we’ve just got to wrap him up now and he’ll be alright for Tuesday hopefully (against Spennymoor Town).

“He was struggling a little bit with his hamstring (missing the Leamington game) but it’s not too bad. He’s an experienced lad and the Leamington game was a game too far for him and we didn’t want to risk him being out for three or four week.

“We rested him and after a bit of treatment he was fine today. I thought he put in a really good performance.

“If you take your top scorer out of any team you’re going to struggle and we’re no different to any club.

“Lenell (John-Lewis) has been amongst the goals this season which is fantastic for us.”