SPORTING’S PARTY GETS SPOILED BY THE BULLS

Beadle boys prove too strong in re-opening of Aspray Arena

SPORTING KHALSA 1 HEREFORD 3

HEREFORD put a dampener on the re-opening of Sporting Khalsa’s Aspray Arena by easing to victory.

It looked like it could be a long afternoon for Khalsa after Lance Smith and Mike Symons both netted for the visitors in the opening 17 minutes.

However, Mykel Beckley gave the hosts hope of an upset just before half-time after he broke through and chipped Bulls goalkeeper Martin Horsell.

But it was not to be as Hereford showed the three- league difference and sealed the win through former Chester striker Harry White two minutes from time.

“It was incredibly hot but another good workout and the lads have got minutes under their belts,” said Hereford manager Peter Beadle.

“It was just a bit of a misunderstanding (with the Sporting Khalsa goal) but that’s going to happen and I’d rather get it out of the way in pre-season. I’m not too worried about that.

“Today was a test, they are a big and powerful side but I thought the lads stood up to it well.

“I’m more worried about the lads’ fitness and trying to go into the season with no injuries and everybody fit and ready to go.

“They’ve had another good workout against a tough team and tough conditions. The pitch was brand new and they’ve only had it down a couple of weeks. It’s a decent surface.”

Khalsa almost took a shock lead within ten minutes when David Meese crossed over the defensive line to Tony Clarke only to be denied by the Bulls shot- stopper.

Straight up the other end, Hereford took the lead with Harry Franklin breaking quickly and finding Smith to slide his side ahead.

Beadle’s side were two goals ahead after 17 minutes with Jamie Bird breaking down the wing and crossing to Smith, who this time found the bar, only for strike partner Symons to crash into an empty net.

The tide of the game looked to have swung two minutes from half-time when Beckley strolled through the Bulls’ defence and chipped Horsell.

Sporting Khalsa could have been level five minutes after the break but for a fantastic save from trialist and Bermudan international goalkeeper Jahquil Hill. Beckley looked to have found the top corner with his shot from outside the box but for Hill’s fingertips on his Bulls debut.

With seven minutes left on the clock, Jay Holdcroft almost sealed a draw for the hosts but sent his shot just wide.

Sporting would regret the miss as Symons pulled back to White to score Hereford’s clincher two minutes from time. STAR MAN: Harry Franklin (Hereford) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★