Recap: Hereford 2-0 Harriers

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HARRIERS suffered a 2-0 defeat in the local derby against Hereford at Edgar Street.

The Bulls netted either side of the interval to secure a big three points and end a strong unbeaten league run for Russ Penn’s men, who endured a tough night of it.

It was an enjoyable enough derby played at a fairly frenetic pace throughout. Chances were never plentiful, but the first sight of goal did go the home side’s way when Gordon nodded over a cross at close range.

Arguably Harriers best chances of the night came next. Sterling, with 20 on the clock, did superbly to dig out a shot under pressure, forcing Brandon Hall to get down low and tip the ball around the post. Seven minutes later, Austin took aim from just outside the area with Hall again equal to the effort.

Harriers were then forced into a change as Ethan Freemantle was forced off through injury, Hereford almost scoring within a minute of that when a corner was glanced over by Pollock.

A fairly even first half got its only goal with 39 minutes gone – Gordon reacting quickest to a ball breaking free in the area and guiding a finish low and past Simpson into the net.

Harriers began the second half on the front foot but fell further behind after just four minutes, Owen-Evans the spare man on a breakaway led by McLean – the former played in and firing an accurate finish into the corner.

While the visitors never gave up the cause by any means and always looked to break down the hosts, Hereford on the whole managed to see out the win without any serious challenge to their goal.

Sterling was by far the closest in red to pulling anything back. One drive on 69 minutes whistled past Hall’s near post, while a free-kick with 14 left needed a reactive save to tip it over the bar.

In the final moments, Hereford almost added a third but Simpson did well to come from his goal and deny Story.

Get full team line-ups and key match facts at The Match Centre

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