HEREFORD boss Aaron Downes has explained his half-time change of tactics during Hereford’s 3-2 defeat at Stafford Rangers.
Hereford looked the better side in the first half and led at the break courtesy of a Danny Waldron header.
However, a change of shape at the break saw wing-back Joseph James replaced by Kyle Howkins. The defensive change saw Preston Bitemo move out to right-back, allowing Cox to partner Waldron and later Iwunze.
When questioned about the change, Downes said: “What happened is the change of ends.
“I don’t think it's a massive difference bringing Kyle Howkins on, who has been superb this season.
“I don't think that's the reason. I take responsibility for maybe putting Preston (Bitemo) at right back.
“When I'm looking at it, Cam (Kandola) is really good in that deep line midfield role. We changed shape, we went two up (front), to try and match them and counteract it because you're going up the hill into a wind, I wanted to get two at the top end of the pitch, to try and stretch them.
“We’ve done that numerous times this season and it has worked. I hasn’t quite worked today until the last probably 10 or 15 minutes.
“It was my decision to play Preston (Bitemo) at right-back, that was on me. He's a good player Preston and he has been brilliant for us this season.
“He’s not a natural right back. I thought he could deal with it, so that's on me.”
The game was level at 1-1 with 18 minutes remaining when substitute Harrison Iwunze ran through on goal.
The Notts County loanee has been in fine scoring form lately, but this time he was denied by goalkeeper Leon Phillips.
Just five minutes later Jack Birch put Rangers ahead from the penalty spot, and then a sublime Scott Bakkor strike put the game out of Hereford’s reach, despite Cawley Cox pulling one back late on.
“Taking nothing away from Stafford. I don't want to do that. They've gone through and congratulations to them.
“Harrison (Iwunze) gets a great opportunity at 1-1, and then we go 2-1 up (if he scored). At the same time, they will probably say that they had a good chance late on in the second half.
“I don't think it's not for lack of effort or trying, I think our boys gave everything today.”
Hereford came up against a barrage of balls into their penalty area courtesy of long throw-in specialist Tom Tonks.
Downes felt that his side largely stood up to the questions that asked of his defence on a blustery afternoon in Staffordshire.
He added: “They stood up to a lot. You are talking 50 throws into our box, in the game. and
“That's what they did. It's not a surprise to us, we knew that was coming.
“We won an unbelievable amount of headers. We had loads of chances ourselves and opportunities to score and win the game.
“We had a counter-act to it, the way we set up and I thought we dealt with it. But there was a couple of poor decisions from us that has cost us really.
“I’m frustrated, but at the same time I’m really happy with where we are and my boys. But I’m just really frustrated for the supporters and the players, because this club has got a great tradition and history in this cup.
“I wanted to be the manager that gave the supporters a really good cup run this season. I really wanted that and to give the supporters a couple of good days out.
“Hopefully I can repay them with some form in the league.”
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