Hereford fight back to earn point in six-goal thriller

Alfreton extend their unbeaten run to five after six-goal thriller with strugglers Hereford.

As they always do, the visitors brought a handsome figure to the Impact Arena in what brought the noise and added motivation for Alfreton striker, Matt Rhead who simply cannot shy away from the back and forth with the crowd.

It was Rhead and his teammates who drew first blood through the clinical youngster, Bailey Hobson. Yusifa Ceesay, who troubled Levi Andoh throughout the game, darted after a long ball from Evans and drilled a low cross into the path of Hobson who gratefully provided the finish. His third of the campaign.

In terms of dominance on the ball, it was all Josh Gowling’s side. Harry Pinchard, Tom Owen-Evans and Miles Storey’s attacking prowess kept the Reds’ backline wary throughout the first half until, finally, Storey found the breakthrough getting the ball onto his left and firing from a tight angle past George Willis at the near-post.

The delight of the travellers was short-lived as two minutes later Rob Evans crafted a snapshot from 25 yards that bounced through and past Hereford goalkeeper, Jordan Wright, sending Billy Heath’s men the happiest going into the dressing rooms.

On the hour mark, Storey doubled his tally emulating Alfreton’s opener by tapping in from close-range after Dan Smith squared into his welcoming feet. Both sides had chances to take the lead and it was Alfreton again that took it.

Moments after Rhead had jested with the Bulls faithful, he flicked on the ball into substitute Elliott Reeves poking home Alfreton’s third of the chilly afternoon. As the Reds swarmed Reeves, Rhead had other ideas - turning and waving to the collection of Hereford fans he had goaded mere minutes ago.

No doubt that would’ve made Hereford’s 93rd minute equaliser that little bit sweeter. A dubious free-kick was given in favour of the Bulls and it was duly lofted towards the far post. In typical last-gasp fashion, a goalmouth scrambled ensued with Luke Haines lashing home with his first touch.

Those that made the trip from the West Midlands poured out onto the pitch in euphoric scenes as the away end erupted. A thriller at the Impact Arena that saw Hereford come from behind on three separate occasions to earn their team a vital point in their relegation dogfight.

For the hosts, minimal ground was lost in the push for playoffs as they dropped to 10th. More promisingly, Heath’s men remain unbeaten in their last five and are just one point from 7th placed York City.