Hereford United vs Argyle - Match Report

For a game of both half’s, the best place to see this was at Edgar Street the home of Hereford United.  There was one change from the starting line-up that started the game against Bradford City, and that was Warren Feeney replacing Juvhel Tsoumou due to injury.  With the 1244 travelling green army filling up behind the goal and along the side-line it was strong to see they were there to cheer the pilgrims on to 3points.  Even before the kick it was hard to hear the clubs stadium announcer with the kicking of the metal boards and chanting of Argyle songs from the travelling tangent.

The first half was well underway with the pilgrims starting off the strongest team keeping the possession, winning second balls and closing the opposition down so they couldn't play comfortably.   From the start Carl Fletcher was putting out an attacking starting line-up with Chadders to hold the ball up with Feeno running onto the loose balls.     It took the pilgrims nearly 30 minutes to take the lead from an own goal from the Herefords United Captain and defender Stefam Stam.  This goal came from a long ball over the top of the defence with Warren Feeney forcing their captain to make a slight touch of the ball.  Inexpertly the ball chipped over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.  Off Warren Feeney went to celebrate with the green army, soon after he was joined by his team mates.  Hereford United 0-1 Plymouth Argyle.  It was back to the centre circle for Hereford who kicked off but they were closed down by Argyle very quickly.  They have some confidence after the goal.  The clock was ticking half time when suddenly Argyle was awarded a penalty after a scramble in the penalty box in which Feeney was fouled off a result of this.   The Skipper Simon Walton was quick to pick up the ball and place it on the penalty spot.  Running up to take the penalty he placed it right in left hand corner.  But sadly to the pilgrim’s faith it hit the post with force.  Half time was nearing with the forth official holding up the advertising board issuing 3 added minutes to the 45.  With the pilgrims pushing hard for a second goal before the whistle blew.  They always knew it was going to be a though to break up the defence and so the half time went.   

Hereford was first out after half time with the pilgrims making them wait for a couple of minutes.  Argyle was hoping for the same start as they started the first but it wasn’t to be.  Both teams were fighting against relegation so the players were aware that it was going to be a tough encounter between the two clubs.  Hereford was looking the best team after the break with very neat passing playing between the available spaces.  They were looking for an early goal and that’s what they got after the 51^st minute.  The goal came from a free kick which was quickly taken by Byron Anthony, and then he fed it into Tom Barkhuisen who then fired it passed Jake Cole and into the back of the net.  Straight after the re-start from Argyle it was fascinating to see Hereford going for a second.  All Argyle could do was defend solidly.  By this time Carl Fletcher decided it was time to make a tactical substitution with Steve Fletcher coming on for Nick Chadwick, a straight change upfront and a new partner for Warren Feeney.  With this tactical substitution Steve Fletcher could hold the ball up for the oncoming wingers and striker to then pass so they could run at the defenders. They were Hemmings, MacDonald and Feeney. Argyle started to chip the ball up to fletcher who flicked some neat balls onto the foot of Feeney who had a couple of chances to bag a couple of goals.  It was some time for another substitution with the highflying winger Luke Young replacing Alex MacDonald in the 76^th minute.  This substitution was to enforce some more speed and cover for the defence.  The full time whistle was very near with Argyle defencing for their lives and trying to close every single ball done.    The full time whistle had gone with the score equal at 1-1.  If you had asked every single Argyle fan I’m sure they would have taken a point even before the game. 

With 5 games to go there are 15point available for the pilgrims to pick up.  Keep believing and keep the faith, because we are staying up!!!  GREEN ARMY.

Next Home game - 9th April vs Aldershot 3pm kick-off.