KARL: THEY’LL HIT BULLS-EYE!
FC UNITED 1 HEREFORD 0
KARL Marginson saw his side edge out Hereford – and then tipped the visitors for promotion.
Tom Greaves came off the bench to net his fifth goal in five pre-season games to give National League North outfit FC United a hard-fought victory over the Bulls.
The two teams had met at Hereford’s first fixture at the re-opened Edgar Street last year – the home side winning 1-0 – and the good atmosphere carried on with both sets of fans in fine voice on the terraces.
And Marginson was generous in his praise for Peter Beadle’s troops, who will play in Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South & West in the coming season.
“I think it was great for both sides,” he said.“It was a really good test, very close in the first half and both teams had chances.We’re getting there.
“It was great to see a crowd of a thousand with a good number from Hereford. They’ve been on their downers and now they’re on the up. I’m sure they will be promoted this season and look to progress even further in the years to come.They are a decent side.”
Despite the two league difference between the teams, this was a close game and in fact the Bulls were the better of the sides in the first half, with Ross Staley going closest to breaking the deadlock but he wasn’t able to get a reaction volley, after a defensive error, on target.
The visitors had the first chance of the second half when Joe Tumelty went on a great solo run before seeing an effort from inside the box stopped by experienced keeper Adriano Basso.
The Red Rebels came on strong in the second half, looking to take control. Greaves looked to have opened the scoring with a well-taken effort that was ruled out for a close offside.With just over 20 minutes left, in-form front man Greaves did notch the only goal after getting his head to a Matthew Walwyn flick-on from the near post for the simplest of goals.
Hereford boss Beadle said:“It was a fantastic workout for us.We could have been a couple of goals to the good at half-time but didn’t put our chances away.
“The game was just what we needed now, and the hospitality we were shown was fantastic.I would like to thank FC United for their hospitality and the game, and wish them all the best next season.” STAR MAN: Tom Greaves (FC United) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★