Hereford FC 1-0 Biggleswade

THE Bulls looked to close the gap on leaders Kings Lynn, as they clinched a vital three points in stoppage time, against 16th placed Biggleswade.

After a competitive game, with Hereford seeming to have the edge, the Waders’ had Connor Hall sent off in the 67th minute and defended valiantly from then.

Keyon Reffell managed to break the deadlock in the dying embers of the game, however, after a deflected cross ricocheted off his shoulder and into the net in the 93rd minute.

Biggleswade keeper, Liam Gooch, saw his on-field treatment in the second half lead to the 5 minutes added time allowing Reffell to find the net.

Hereford may have enjoyed a far more relaxed evening had Lance Smith been able to put away his golden opportunity in the 41st minute from the spot.

The pivotal sending-off arrived with half an hour to go, after a Biggleswade throw by the dugouts resulted in Connor Hall throwing an elbow into the face of Hereford skipper, Jimmy Oats, metres away from the referee, prompting a straight red card.

After a Biggleswade kickoff, Chris Nunn’s men looked to solidify their status as having one of the best defenses in the league.

Without top scorer John Mills, Hereford struggled to create chances, as the Waders’ looked determined in their game plan of spoiling the play to counter attack.

Returning to the club after a short, successful loan spell, James Bowen saw his trickery create the first real chance for the home team when referee, Sarah Garratt, awarded him a free kick on the edge of the area after a rash challenge from Greg Kaziboni.

Eliot Richards’ and makeshift left winger, Dara O’shea both squandered chances as Hereford looked to press.

Minutes later, after a low-driven cross from Richards’ was stopped by the hand of defender, Gavin Hoyte just inside the area, Lance Smith saw opposing goalkeeper Liam Gooch make a fairly comfortable save from his spot-kick.

Hereford kicked towards their favoured Meadow End in the second half and continued the pressure.

Rob Purdie saw his cross quickly turned around by the Waders’ defence, releasing Liam Brooks and forcing Martin Horsell to palm the shot out of play.

The action continued late into the game. O’shea made use of a well-taken corner, with his header forcing a reaction save from Gooch, and a goalmouth scramble resulting in the Bulls striking the crossbar from six yards.

Hereford’s keeper did see the ball one last time after Tony Burnett led a counter attack, his strike reaching only the arms of Horsell.

Attacking midfielder, Keyon Reffell, managed to seal the win for the home team. His shoulder guiding the ball into the net after a deflection from a cross in the 93rd minute.

Lineups
Hereford: Horsell, Oates (c), Bowen, Richards, Green, O'Shea, Reffell, Bird (Preen - 71'), Smith, Purdie, Symons.
Subs not used: Murphy, Pring, Liburd, Puddy.

Biggleswade: Gooch, Walker, Perry, Fielding, Hicks, Hoyte, Kaziboni  (Patrick - 65'), Hall, Brooks (Burnett - 71'), Parker, Daniel (c).
Subs not used: Devine, Bailey, Bowen.