The Brewery Field’s fortress status this season continued with a comfortable victory over mid-table Hereford.
An early penalty from Glen Taylor was followed up by another goal from right back Tyler Forbes, before Mark Anderson’s header and Taylor’s clinical finish capped off a routine win.
Jason Ainsley made on change from the side who were well beaten by Altrincham a week previous, with Matt Gould being replaced by Dale Eve, with the goalkeeper making his league debut in the process.
On a day which saw the football calendar obliterated due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, it was normal service at a packed Brewery Field.
After a subdued opening five minutes, the game came to life when the referee adjudged that Nathan Buddle was tripped inside the area, and after a moment’s thought, pointed to the penalty spot.
Taylor stepped up and converted a confident effort from 12-yards, giving Moors the perfect early tonic after a 4-1 loss at Altrincham.
In an open contest, Hereford almost levelled the score-line immediately when Tom Owen-Evans fired wide of the post after receiving the ball from Jacob Jagger-Cane in a good position, only for former Bulls striker James Roberts to go close down the other end.
The Brewery Field has proven to be a fortress this season with only Altrincham possessing a finer home record, and a dominant first half display saw Moors increase their lead shortly after the twenty-minute mark.
It was Forbes, high on confidence and momentum after two goals in his previous two appearances, who continued his superb run of form with an acrobatic strike.
A goal forged down the right-hand side, Rob Ramshaw teed up the tireless Roberts who swung a teasing ball into the six-yard box, with Forbes turning the ball past Hall on the volley.
A signing from AFC Fylde in January, Forbes continued to prove his undeniable quality with another performance packed with flair and intensity.
Hereford, who came into the game on the back of a strong run of form away from home, looked for the dangerous Lennell John-Lewis as their main attacking outlet, but he was unable to offer a finishing touch.
The final nail in The Bulls’ coffin was applied with one minute of normal time to go, with Taylor capitalising on a slip from Martin Riley to clinically bury a shot past Hall.
The Bulls began the second half brightly and were denied a goal back via a superb block from Forbes, proving his defensive attributes after a scintillating attacking display in the first half.
That rare moment of worry at the back was soon eradicated as Moors swept down the other end to add to an already well-established advantage.
The imperious Shane Henry began the move with an audacious flick, allowing Roberts to dig out a cross which found the head of Mark Anderson who was lurking from six yards.
Hereford posed more of a threat during a scrappy fifteen-minute period, with substitute Kyle Finn particularly providing a tricky customer down the left, but they only had a close-range effort from Kelsey Mooney to show for it.
In truth, Moors should have extended their lead further during a manic phase of play direct from a corner. Jason Kennedy’s initial header was blocked on the line, and when the ball dropped to Ramshaw on two occasions from five yards, he was unable to turn the ball home.
The final nail in The Bulls’ coffin was applied with one minute of normal time remaining. Taylor benefited from a slip by Martin Riley to clinically place the ball past Hall.
12. Mason, Gould, Cogdon, Hindson, Boyes.
Subs
12. Liburd 14. Ash 15. Thomas 16. Finn 17. Davies
The experienced midfielder put in another assured and commanding display. Kennedy has fast become a fan favourite after extending his loan to the end of the season.
Moors make the trip to Croft Park to face Blyth Spartans next Saturday.
