BULLS SHOW THEIR MUSCLE
HEREFORD set their standards for the season on their return to the National League North with a convincing victory over a disjointed Blyth Spartans.
The Bulls dominated the first-half with Harry White’s well-taken opener followed by Mike McGrath’s headed second in front of an expectant 2,836 fans at Edgar Street.
A stand-out performance by midfielder Eliot Richards saw him seal the points with a third goal late on.
Bulls manager Pete Beadle saw his side set a standard that he now wants them to achieve on a consistent basis.
“It’s the first game of the season and that is the marker for us and showing our intentions for the season,” he said.
“I thought we were exceptional today and they [Blyth] are a good side. The goals came at really good times for us when we were on top and in control of the game.
“I’ve said to the players now that they’ve set their standards for the season which is not to drop below how they’ve played today.
“The front three worked tirelessly today up and down that touchline and we had a really solid performance.”
The Bulls, who have clinched three league titles in consecutive years, showed their intent early on, setting the tone in the opening exchanges, and had two glorious chances in as many minutes to take the lead.
Billy Murphy’s corner found veteran defender Ryan Green, whose header hit the post and the rebound was fired over on the volley by White.
A minute later, Richards saw his through-ball find Jennison Myrie-Williams, but his one-on-one attempt was saved.
Tricky winger MyrieWilliams created another chance midway into the first half, beating his man and finding the head of Richards at the near post, but his effort was saved by Peter Jameson.
The Bulls eventually took the lead in the 29th minute when a persistent spell of pressure resulted in White turning his man to create space and then rifling the ball into the net
Hereford were two goals to the good a minute before the break thanks to the head of Mike McGrath, who glanced home Richard’s corner.
The battling Spartans proved more of a threat in the second half and when substitute Jamie Holmes pushed forward, he forced Martin Horsell into a save down low. However, the Bulls sealed the victory with 15 minutes remaining as forward Lance Smith fed Richards, who slid the ball home. STAR MAN: Eliot Richards (Hereford) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★