HEREFORD LADS CLUB (Herefordshire FA County Ground)

HELLENIC LEAGUE DIVISION ONE WEST, HEREFORD LADS CLUB 0-3 CLANFIELD 85, ATTENDANCE: 90

Choices were limited today as Covid-19 and waterlogged pitches caused league suspensions and postponements across the country.

After a morning trawl through twitter to see what was on, I ultimately decided to play it reasonably safe and head for a game on a 3G pitch. 

I trundled down the A49 to Hereford where Hereford Lads Club were taking on Clanfield 85 in an Hellenic League Division One West game. Plenty of other groundhoppers obviously had the same idea and there were a few familiar faces amongst the crowd of supporters.

Hereford Lads Club play at the Herefordshire County Ground on Widemarsh Common (next door to Westfields) and this has been their home since 1940, after the original club was destroyed by fire. The club temporarily played at Hereford Leisure Centre in 2012 after the pitch was deemed too small but they were back by 2013. The stand and floodlights were erected in 2017 and the ribbon was cut by Everton legend Kevin Sheedy, who began his career with Hereford United.

The Lads Club was founded in 1925 with the aim of providing underprivileged boys with the means to become men through sport by emphasising gentlemanly conduct and good sportsmanship. Originally catering for gymnastics and boxing before cricket and football teams were developed.

The club spent many seasons in the Herefordshire County League before winning promotion to the West Midlands Regional League in 2012. The club were transferred across to the Hellenic League in 2019.

 

This afternoon's game got off to flying start with the visitors from Oxfordshire racing into a two goal lead within 12 minutes.

After 7 minutes quick break from Clanfield led to Zak Oliver racing clear and Jack Bellenger applying the finish to a great ball into the area.

There was a little controversy to Clanfield's second goal. Alfie Saunders scored direct from a corner kick (pictured below) but Steve Bell in the Hereford goal felt he was fouled which allowed the ball to sail into the net. It looked like a foul from where I was stood, given the fact that in modern football 'keepers normally get them decisions. Regardless, the referee said goal and his is the opinion that matters.

 

From then on the homesters seem to lose theirs heads and every decision was met with cries of derision. They did create some half chances but the game was effectively over when Adam Newbury received a straight red card for foul and abusive language.

Clanfield had a goal disallowed just before half time and hit the woodwork just after the restart. Hereford tried to work their way back into game but always looked in danger on the counter, but fortunately for them the final ball from the visitors was poor. However Clanfield did add a third after 80 minutes when Josh Gibbens prodded home from inside the six yard box. A deserved three points for Clanfield.

I eventually arrived home to the news that Wales had gone back into a full lockdown with immediate effect so that is definitely that regards groundhopping for the foreseeable. 

Have a very happy Christmas but most importantly, stay safe. Hopefully 2021 will be better for all of us. Until whenever, goodnight!