Hereford’S new era began in the way that everyone had hoped – with an opening day success at Crewe.

Goalscoring hero for Simon Davey’s side was skipper Janos Kovacs who powered home a header after just 16 minutes to net the decisive goal.

But Kovacs was much more than just a goalscorer.

He appears to see his role not just as a motivator of his team but of the fans, too and the 905 travelling Bulls supporters certainly responded to his pleas for plenty of backing.

The Hungarian also teamed up well with Michael Townsend at the heart of the United defence to keep Crewe’s potentially potent strikeforce scoreless.

While Kovacs was undoubtedly influential, star of the show was midfielder James McQuilkin who was at the heart of all the action.

It was the young playmaker who was the provider of the Bulls goal.

McQuilkin’s perfectly placed corner kick was met by Kovacs with considerable force to thump the ball into the back of the net.

Hereford could hardly be said to have been entirely secure in their win – with five players making their United league debuts, plus a return for Stuart Fleetwood, it would have taken a miracle for everything to gel immediately.

And there were some anxious moments for the Bulls defence, particularly towards the end of the first period when Shaun Miller should have profited from at least one of two glorious chances.

O’Neil Donaldson also failed with a great chance, shooting wide of the target with only Adam Bartlett to meet, just before Kovacs’ goal.

But Hereford had their chances, too.

Mathieu Manset drilled a shot wide after an excellent move involving McQuilkin and Fleetwood.

And newcomer Joe Colbeck also went close with a couple of fierce drives.

All in all, a most promising start for the Bulls and something to maintain the new regime’s momentum.

Hereford: Bartlett; Green, Kovacs, Townsend, Valentine; Thompson, McQuilkin, Colbeck; Fleetwood, Canham (Lunt 58), Manset. Subs not used: Connor, Rose, Weir, Gwynne, Stratford, Malsom.

Crewe: Taylor; Tootle, Ada, Artell, Blanchett; Murphy, Bell, Westwood; Donaldson, Zola (Grant 69), Miller (Leitch-Smith 90). Subs: Moore, Mitchel-King, Dugdale, Powell, Barratt.

Referee: Brendan Malone (Wiltshire).

Attendance: 4,343 (including 905 from Hereford).

Goals: Kovacs, 16 min, 0-1.

Yellow cards: Hereford – Valentine, foul, 25 min; Thompson, foul, 71 min; Fleetwood, dissent, 90 min, McQuilkin, dissent, 90 min.