HEREFORD manager Josh Gowling had a frantic few hours of phone calls on Friday night to find a goalkeeper for today’s win at Blyth Spartans.

Both Brandon Hall and Wolves loanee Andreas Sondergaard have come down with Covid-19 giving Gowling less than 24 hours to find a goalkeeper.

Eventually Grimsby Town gave the Bulls goalkeeper Ollie Battersby on an emergency loan.

READ MORE: Hereford FC sign goalkeeper on loan after Covid outbreak

"He (Battersby) has not trained with us,” said Gowling.

“We got him in after I think I made about a thousand phone calls from 5pm until 10pm last night to get it done.

“Andreas (Sondergaard) came down with Covid on Thursday, we had a message from Wolves to say they had it.

“We had a message on Friday to say that Brandon (Hall) didn’t feel well and then by late afternoon he said that he didn’t feel right.

“And then I spent until about 10 o’clock at night ringing as many clubs that I know to get a keeper in.

“We've got to thank Grimsby for lending us a keeper. I think he was excellent today. He kicked well, his shot stopping was excellent and he came for a few crosses.

“For a lad that’s not played with or knows anyone in the squad it was an excellent performance.”

After Hereford had scored the opener Battersby was called into action to deny Lewis McNalll who has ghosted into the penalty area.

The 20-year-old was also on hand to deny JJ O'Donnell who had worked his way into the box for Blyth in the second half.

“It made a massive difference,” added Gowling.

“They cut through us and could have scored and then he’s pulled off one in the second half as well when they had their tails up.

“I think he pulled off some good saves in the game today. I’m really pleased."