Match Rating: 7/10

Attendance: 735

Hereford 8/10- Fielded a surprisingly strong team consisting entirely of first team regulars which pushed Lads Club back and had the ball for the majority of the game. Looked reassured at the back and quickly cut out any half chances by the opponents.

Horsell 7- Rarely called into action although kept alert and had to run out on several occasion to scupper the makings of any attacks.

O'Shea 8- Took a knock early on but was soon back in full flight. Did a solid job at the back and proved a threat going forward taking his goal well. Pete Beadle will hope to retain his services next season.

Green- went on a charging run

Liburd 8- Seems to be growing every week in a Hereford shirt and was given a bit extra freedom which saw him head against the bar before scoring. Had a moment where he left the ball for Horsell and was almost caught out by the approaching striker.

Pring 7- Finished the only Hereford player not to score this season and had one slight opening before unselfishly setting up defensive partner Liburd for his goal. Comfortable on the ball and never looked in trouble at the back.

Smith 7- One of his quieter games which was a complement to the way Lads Club defended. Headed wide early in the game and played his part as part of a very active attacking line.

McGrath 7- Held the ball up well in midfield and battled well for the ball to allow Hereford to attack.

Richards 7- Played his part in a good attacking midfield performance.

Man of the match- Purdie 9- Last match in a Hereford shirt before retirement and will be sorely missed next season. His crosses unlocked a good Lads Club defensive line and made the afternoon a comfortable one for Hereford.

Mills 8- Created a host of chances early in the game and took his opening goal very well peeling off at the back post and rifling home. Had a quiet spell and then came through strong in the second half and was unlucky not to get a second before eventually netting his 40th season goal.

Myrie-Williams 7- Played his role in attack and saw an effort fly over before hitting the target for his side’s second goal.

Subs

Symons 8- Came on against a tiring defence on 66 minutes replacing Smith and caused havoc immediately at the back using his strength and experience to score nine minutes later.

Haysham 7- Didn’t really see much of the game in the closing quarter after the game was already won after replacing McGrath.

Murphy 7- Came on for the last nine minutes replacing Richards and crossed for Mills to head over.

Lads Club 7/10- Sevens all around for a Lads Club side who put everything into keeping Hereford out. Against a full strength Hereford side who were hungry to increase their goal tallies before the summer they kept the score down to 2-0 at half-time with some excellent defending. The heat and relentless pace of Hereford eventually took its toll but they should go away proud of their efforts.

Bell 7- Had a busy afternoon but played well and kept the score-line down with a string of good saves and could do little about the goals some of which were after he had saved the initial shot.

Bowley 7- Was part of the defence which was put under a lot of pressure but kept it tight in the first half

Maturi 7- Did excellently to block John Mills’ shot off the line only for Myrie-Williams to net the rebound. Commanded the area well on a difficult afternoon.

Burke 7- Let Elliot Richards know he was in a game early on forcefully winning the ball but was cut out by Dara O’Shea from continuing through on goal.

Jones 7- Part of a central defensive partnership who had a lot to deal with but did their best to keep it tight which worked well in the first half.

Cuthbertson 7- Denied Myrie-Williams almost a certain goal as his last ditch header inside the box intercept a great cross. Organised the defence well and put in some vital interceptions to deny Hereford.

Lear 7- Almost caught Hereford napping in the second half as his awareness got him past the defensive line but not past the goalkeeper.

Worthing 7- Struggled to make his mark against a strong and experienced Hereford midfield but put in a solid performance.

Cowley 7- Used his strength early on and almost caused Hereford problems but came up against the experience of Ryan Green.

Wildig 7- With Ryan Green defending and his team having little of the ball he was left trying to create problems but to no avail.

Hockey 7- Suffered against Cameron Pring who used his strength to dispossess him when he had a bright run out wide but wasn’t given a yard by Hereford.

SUBS:

Fletcher 7- Came on for Cowley after 70 minutes when his side were starting to suffer under the heat and relentless Hereford attack so saw little of the play.

Lancett 7- Replaced Lear for the last 70 minutes as his side started to struggle against Hereford in full flight.

Hill 7- Came on for Cowley for nine minutes remaining and had an okay performance.